
Class. 
Book_ 



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OB'li'leiAI. DOjSTATION. 



HISTORY OF THE 
FIFTIETH REGIMENT OF INFANTRY 




Col. CARLOS P. MESSER 



HISTORY 



FIFTIETH REGIMENT 
OF INFANTRY 



MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEER MILITIA 

IN THE 

LATE WAR OF THE REBELLION 



By 

WILLIAM B. STEVENS 

A Member of Co. C 



BOSTON: 

Griffith-Stillings Press 

1907 



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OCl i 1907 

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PREFACE 

In 1892 Comrade William C. Eustis of Company E 
had in preparation a history of the regiment. He had 
collected much material and had partially written it, 
but his early death prevented its completion. The 
writer was subsequently requested to finish the work, 
and commenced it several years since, but official duties 
and a multiplicity of cares have caused a long and 
unfortunate delay. The ranks are being rapidly thinned ; 
a majority has passed to the other side; and if the sur- 
viving members of the regiment desire to read its his- 
tory during their lives, the opportunity should be given 
them at the earliest possible day. Much assistance has 
been derived from what had been written by Comrade 
Eustis and from the diaries of other comrades. 

That of Sergt. Solomon Nelson of Company K 
was very complete, giving an entertaining account of 
his army life. The writer is also indebted to Corpl. 
Henry H. Johnson of Company F, to Corpl. Wil- 
liam H. Nash of Company D, to Comrade James Howe 
of Company F, to Comrade Myron W. Messer of Com- 
pany C, to Corpl. Oilman A. Andrews of Company A, 
to Comrade Otis E. Sheldon of Company F, to Corpl. 
William S. Henry of Company H, for their several 
diaries, and last, but not least, to Corpl. George H. 
Blinn of Company A, who has always been indefatigable 
in everything relating to the history of the regiment. 



vi Preface 

Numerous quotations have been made from these 
diaries, especially from that of Sergeant Nelson, for it 
was thought the impressions of the men as written 
down at the time were more vivid and interesting than 
recollections recalled after the lapse of years. It is a 
source of regret that the record of our experiences could 
not have been more complete, but pressure of other 
duties, and a feeling that there should be no further 
delay, have compelled the author to fuiish the memorial 
contained in the following pages, brief and unsatisfac- 
tory as it is. He does not flatter himself that the book 
will be of any public interest, or will contribute any new 
or valuable information relating to the expedition of 
General Banks and the siege, assault and fall of Port 
Hudson. 

If the recital shall interest the survivors of the regi- 
ment and then- friends, the object hoped for will have 
been attained. The happiness, the sorrow, the hard- 
ships of those days long gone by live only in memory, 
but they are often recalled with pleasure and satis- 
faction. A few more years and these memories will 
cease to be preserved by living men, and will be handed 
down by those who come after us only by record and 
tradition. At least our children's children will recall 
with pride and satisfaction the story of their sires. 

William B. Stevens. 

Stoneham, 1907. 



CONTENTS 



CHAPTER I 



PAGES 



Organization of the Regiment — Life at Camp Stan- 
ton, BoxFORD — Departure for New York 
— In Camp at Camp Banks, Long Island . . 1-14 



CHAPTER II 

Company H refuses to go on the Niagara, on which 
Companies B, C, D, F and G embark — Com- 
pany H sails from New York on the Jenny 
Lind — The Niagara springs aleak and takes 

FIRE OFF the DELAWARE BREAKWATER AND IS 
TOWED UP THE DELAWARE RiVER TO PHILA- 
DELPHIA — Experience in the " City of 
Brotherly Love" 15-22 



CHAPTER III 

Companies B, C, D, F, G and H sail from Philadelphia 
on the Jenny Lind, putting in at Fortress 
Monroe — The Voyage and Sail up the 
River to New Orleans and Baton Rouge . 23-34 



CHAPTER IV 

Companies B, D and F sail from Fortress Monroe 
on the Montebello — Diary of Corpl. Wil- 
liam H. Nash 35-42 



CHAPTER V 

Account of the Voyage of Companies A, K and E 
from New York to Baton Rouge as given 
BY Comrade Eustis and Sergeant Nelson . 43-53 



viii Contents 

CHAPTER VI 



PAGES 



Organization of the 19th Army Corps under General 

Banks — Camp Life at Baton Rouge . . . 54-65 



CHAPTER VII 

Feint on Port Hudson — March of the Troops — 
Admiral Farragut makes a Naval Attack 

AND passes up THE RiVER — DESTRUCTION OF 

THE Mississippi — Return of the Army to 

Baton Rouge 66-84 



CHAPTER VIII 

Expedition to Winter's Plantation 85-94 

CHAPTER IX 

Departure of Troops for the Teche Country — 
General Dudley's Brigade remains to garri- 
son Baton Rouge — Death of Dr. French 
— Arrival of Grierson's Cavalry 95-102 

CHAPTER X 

March to White's Bayou or Black Creek — Guard- 
ing the Bridge at that Place — March from 
White's Bayou to Port Hudson — Revisit- 
ing Bayou and Bayou Monticeno in 1897. . 103-115 

CHAPTER XI 

Port Hudson and its Fortifications — Account of 
THE Defences as given by Lieutenant Freret 
of the Confederate Army — Battle of 
Plains' Store — Investment of Port Hud- 
son AND Order for Assault on May 27 — 
Correspondence between Banks, Grant and 
Halleck 116-132 



Contents ix 

CHAPTER XII 

PAGES 

Assault of May 27, 1863, on Port Hudson — Diaries 
OF William C. Eustis, James Howe and Ser- 
geant Nelson 133-143 

CHAPTER XIII 

Diary of Gen. Halbert E. Paine — Report of Col. 
I. G. W. Steedman — After the Assault of 
May 27 144-151 

CHAPTER XIV 

Organization of the Troops at Port Hudson, May 31, 
1863 — Diary of Sergeant Nelson from 
May 27 to June 14 152-169 

CHAPTER XV 

Surrender of Port Hudson demanded — Special 
Orders — Assault of June 14 — General 
Paine's Diary — Burial of the Dead — 
Correspondence between General Banks 
AND General Halleck 170-185 

CHAPTER XVI 

Volunteers called for to form a Storming Party — 
The Regiment volunteer to remain beyond 
THEIR Term of Enlistment — Surrender of 
Port Hudson 186-213 

CHAPTER XVII 

Garrisoning Port Hudson — The Regiment embark 
on the Steamer Omaha — Voyage up the 
River to Cairo — Journey Home 214-231 

CHAPTER XVIII 
General Dudley 232-240 



X Contents 

APPENDIX 

PAGES 

Headstones at the Graves of Comrades in the Na- 
tional Cemetery at Baton Rouge — Card 
ISSUED TO Members of the Regiment in Phila- 
delphia — Roster of the Field, Staff and 
Line Officers of the Detachment of the 
50th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers 
IN 1862 AT Philadelphia — Soldiers' Guide 
TO Philadelphia — Organization of Troops 
in the 3d Military District, Department 
Mississippi and East Louisiana, Commanded 
BY Maj.-Gen. Frank Gardner, April 30, 1863 

— Extract from Portland " Press " relating 
to Marcus A. Hanna of Company B — A 
Rebel Narrative — The Story of a Masonic 
Pin — Capture of Port Hudson as given in 
New Orleans "Era" of June 12, 1863 — 
Terrible Sickness in the Garrison — Ac- 
count OF THE Regimental Reunions taken 
FROM THE Records of the Secretary, Corpl. 
George H. Blinn — Company A — Company C 

— Company E — Journal of Company A — 
Arrival of the 50th Massachusetts Regi- 
ment as given in Boston "Journal" op Aug. 
12, 1863 — Letter from a Soldier who had 
recovered his Health and returned Home 

FROM THE Hospital 241-288 



ROSTER 

Roster of the Fiftieth Massachusetts Volunteers, 

Field, Staff and Companies 289-395 

Index 397-399 



LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS 



Colonel Carlos P. Messer Frontispiece 

General N. A. M. Dudley facing page 232 

Colonel Carlos P. Messer facing page 

Lieutenant-Colonel John W. Locke .... " " 

Major John Hodges, Jr '■ 

Quartermaster Henry D. Degen " 

Surgeon William Cogswell '" " 

Assistant Surgeon Nathaniel W. French . . facing page 54 

Sergeant-Major Oliver A. Roberts " " 54 

Quartermaster-Sergeant David M. Kelley . " '' 54 

Assistant Surgeon John Hancock " " 54 

Commissary Sergeant Leonard Rand .... " "54 

Captain George D. Putnam, Co. A facing page 66 

Captain John Langdon Ward, Co. B .... " " 66 

Captain Darius N. Stevens, Co. C " " 66 

Captain Josiah W. Coburn, Co. D " " 66 

Captain Samuel F. Littlefield, Co. E . . . . " " 66 

Miscellaneous Views in Louisiana facing page 94 

Captain Samuel W. Duncan, Co. F facing page 102 

Captain George W. Edwards, Co. G . . . . " " 102 

Captain Cyrus Hobbs, Co. H " '" 102 

Captain Nicholas Power, Co. I " " 102 

Captain John G. Barnes, Co. K " " 102 

Map of Port Hudson facing page 112 

1st Lieutenant Robert W. Reeves, Co. A . facing page 132 

1st Lieutenant Edward W. Phillips, Co. B . " " 132 

1st Lieutenant Samuel C. Trull, Co. C . . . " " 132 

1st Lieutenant John S. Coney, Co. D . . . . ' ' 132 

1st Lieutenant Horace M. Warren, Co. E . " ' 132 



xii List of Illustrations 

1st Lieutenant David Boynton, Co. F . . . . facing page 170 

1st Lieutenant Henry T. Holmes, Co. H . . " 170 

1st Lieutenant John P. Bradstreet, Co. K . " 170 

Hospital Steward, P. A. Sawyer " • 170 

Acting Hospital Steward James Howe, Co. F, " • 170 



2d Lieutenant William B. Upton, Co. A 
2d Lieutenant William H. Hurd, Co. B 
2d Lieutenant Frederick Cochrane, Co. C 
2d Lieutenant Oramel G. Abbott, Co. D 
2d Lieutenant James D. Draper, Co. E . 

2d Lieutenant Ira Hurd, Co. F .... 
2d Lieutenant Andrew F. Stowe, Co. G 
2d Lieutenant William P. Daniels, Co. H 
2d Lieutenant James H. Rundlett, Co. K 
Corporal George H. Blinn, Co. A 



fncing pa 


:e 187 


" 


187 




187 


•' 


187 


" 


187 


facing pnne 214 


" 


214 




214 




214 




214 




JOHN W. LOCKE JOHN HODGES. Jr. 

Lieut. Col. 50th Mass. Major, oOth Mass. 

CARLOS P. MESSER 

Colonel, 50th Mass. 

HENRY D. DEGEN WILLIAM COGSWELL 

Quartermaster, fiOth Mass. Surgeon, 50th Mass. 



Fiftieth Regiment of Infantry 



CHAPTER I 

ORGANIZATION OF THE REGIMENT — LIFE AT CAMP STANTON, 
BOXFORD — DEPARTURE FOR NEW YORK — IN CAMP AT 
CAMP BANKS, LONG ISLAND 

ONE generation has come and another gone since the 
close of the war of the Rebellion, and the space of 
more than half a lifetime stretches from the summer 
of 1862, when three hundred thousand nine-months troops 
were summoned to re-enforce the Federal armies by 
proclamation of President Lincoln. 

The Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment was raised and 
organized during the darkest days of the war. It was at 
the flood-tide of disaster, McClellan's fruitless campaign 
on the Peninsula had been followed by Pope's reverse 
at the second Bull Run. Sorrow, disappointment and 
gloom weighed down the North. But the disasters which 
had followed our armies fired the patriotism of the people 
to white heat and intensified their determination to con- 
quer the Rebellion and save the Union at whatever cost. 
Sad and deplorable as are the horrors of war, there is 
some compensation when one reflects upon the self- 
sacrifices, chivalrous and heroic qualities which it 
develops. Men get out of their little selves and fight to 
the death for a great cause. At such a time and under 
such a stimulus the boys responded to their country's 
call in 1862. It is difficult for a person who has been 
born and grown to manhood, surrounded by the environ- 
ments of peace which have existed for the past forty 
years, with a brief interregnum, to realize how intense 
was the patriotic fervor and excitement which swept over 
the country from 1861 to 1865. 



2 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

After the Revolution it was the epoch of our national 
heroism. It now seems fortunate to have lived during 
such a period. The men who fought the war for inde- 
pendence had passed away, and, outside the pages of 
recorded history, their achievements were little more 
than fond traditions; the occasion arose, the summons 
came, and the descendants proved themselves worthy 
successors of their patriotic ancestors. 

In character, education and birth, the men of the 
regiment generally represented the good old stock of 
Middlesex and Essex Counties, whose lineage extended 
back to the early settlement of the colony, for eight out 
of the ten companies came from these two counties, one 
from Suffolk and one from Worcester. Several of them 
had histories in the state militia before the war, although 
the old organizations served hardly more than skeletons 
which were filled up with new recruits. Some of them 
had also seen active service in different regiments during 
the spring and summer of 1861. 

The President's call was issued on the fourth day of 
August, 1862, and Massachusetts, with her usual alacrity, 
at once proceeded to fill her quota. To this call the 
organized militia companies of Middlesex and Essex 
Counties, comprising in part the old 7th Regiment of the 
state militia, responded, and with other new companies 
formed the 50th Massachusetts Regiment, which was 
designated as the 50th Volunteer Militia. 

Company A was from Salem under Captain Putnam, 
and was one of the oldest militia organizations in the 
state, having been organized and chartered May 1, 1805. 
Known as the Salem Light Infantry, in April, 1861, it 
joined the 8th Regiment and served three months. 

Company B, sometimes called the Rockport Company, 
Captain Ward, was composed mostly of men from that 
town, North Andover and Hamilton. 

Company C, formerly the Stoneham Light Infantry, 
was organized in 1851. Known as Company C in the 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 3 

7th Regiment Militia, and as Company L in the 6th 
Regiment (three months' service), on the 19th of April, 
1861, under Capt. John H. Dike, it made the famous 
march through Baltimore. The nucleus of this company 
was from Stoneham, with additions from Lawrence, 
Methuen and a few other towns. 

Company D, Captain Coburn, was recruited mostly in 
Reading, North Reading and Wilmington. 

Company E, formerly known as the Richardson Light 
Guard of South Reading (now Wakefield), was organized 
Oct. 2, 1851. Known as Company E, 7th Regiment 
Militia, and as Company B, 5th Regiment (three months' 
service), it was in the first battle of Bull Run, and its 
captain, J. W. Locke, was commissioned lieutenant 
colonel of the 50th Regiment. 

Company F, Captain Duncan, was recruited in Haver- 
hill. 

Company G, Captain Edwards, was also from Haver- 
hill, formerly known as the Haverhill Light Infantry, 
and organized in 1853. It was known as Company G, 
7th Regiment Militia; as Company D, 5th Regiment, in 
which it served three months, and participated in the 
first battle of Bull Run. Its captain, Carlos P. Messer, 
was commissioned our colonel. 

Company H, Captain Hobbs, was from Chelsea; and 
Company I, Captain Power, from Worcester. 

Company K, Captain Barnes, was recruited largely in 
Georgetown, with men from Bradford, Groveland, Box- 
ford, Newbury and Topsfield. Our major, John Hodges, 
Jr., of Salem, a brave and gallant young officer fresh from 
Harvard College, had served three months, in the 19th 
Regiment. He was afterwards lieutenant colonel of the 
59th Massachusetts Regiment, and was killed at Peters- 
burg. Henry A. Wentworth was adjutant, and Henry D. 
Degen was quartermaster. 

We can make no claim to glory achieved in a long series 
of bloody and hard-fought battles, but it is fair to say 



4 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

that at all times we did our duty faithfully, and bore 
with equanimity and fortitude the hardships and priva- 
tions of a severe and trying campaign. Our services 
consisted chiefly in participating in the siege and reduc- 
tion of Port Hudson. This stronghold captured and 
the Mississippi opened, our work was finished, and about 
one year after the time of enlistment the regiment was 
disbanded on the 24th day of August, 1863, and the 
surviving members returned to their several homes to 
take up once more the various employments of civil life. 

This was many years ago, and at our annual reunions 
there now return but few except those who then were 
boys and young men; and before they are all gone it 
seems desirable to leave a brief record of their service. 
It is true they did not contribute much towards the 
great result, but as the small stream courses its way and 
mingles its waters with those of the on-flowing river, so 
they formed part of the grand Army that saved the 
Union. 

The several companies were organized, recruited and 
drilled during August and the early part of the following 
month, and on the 12th of September, a beautiful autum- 
nal day, began to arrive at Camp Stanton, Boxford. It 
was a day long to be remembered when the boys disem- 
barked from the train, formed into company line, and 
marched to the ground which had been assigned for their 
quarters. There was a lively scene of bustle and excite- 
ment as streets were laid out, tents pitched and the men 
settled down to their first experience of camp life. 

After a busy day came the evening when tents were 
lighted, and the grounds resounded with mirth, hilarity 
and song. The blood then bounded through our veins, 
surcharged with the life and animal spirits of youth. 
Camp Stanton was admirably adapted to the purposes 
for which it was used, consisting of a large tract of level 
land, sloping into the meadow at the north, with fine 
facilities for drilling and dress parade. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 5 

Leaving the railroad it will be remembered the post 
headquarters were on the left. Passing through the 
encampment, first was located on the right the 10th 
Battery and the 41st Regiment. Next came the 50th 
and at the extreme west the 8th Massachusetts, Colonel 
Coffin. The 47th, Colonel Marsh, was located south of 
the 41st. These four regiments with a battery occupied 
between four and five hundred tents. During two months 
or more the men settled down to hard work for the pur- 
pose of being transformed so far as possible in that time 
from undisciplined citizens into trained soldiers. 

Col. Edward F. Jones was post commandant and 
Lieutenant Hayes of the Regular Army post quarter- 
master. How fresh comes back the memory of those 
crisp September mornings when the bugle summoned 
the boys to roll call at five o'clock, after which they fell 
in and marched to Stevens's Pond for a general wash. 
How the cold water tingled the blood and set it in cir- 
culation! Breakfast at six, and dinner at twelve, inter- 
spersed with squad, company and regimental drills, and 
supper at six, preceded by dress parade, filled up the 
hours of the day. 

On September 19th the regiment was mustered into 
the service of the United States by Lieutenant Elder of 
the Regular Army. The men were armed with Spring- 
field smooth-bores, a very effective weapon for some pur- 
poses, but of little use at long range. These antiquated 
guns saved us from great peril, at least on one occasion 
before Port Hudson, and although at the time they were 
received rather ungraciously, subsequent events proved 
them to be in some respects, at least, a blessing in disguise. 
Being thus armed, our regiment was not detailed for 
sharpshooting, and took no very active part in either of 
the assaults on the rebel works, but was detailed to 
throw up fortifications, to dig and occupy rifle pits 
and support batteries, as with our arms we could pour 
upon the enemy a withering fire at close quarters. 



6 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

Many an old soldier can now look back upon the two 
and a half months passed at Camp Stanton as among 
the red-letter days of his life. Notwithstanding the 
exactions of guard duty, military drills and dress parade, 
the autocratic government under army regulations, and 
sometimes the arbitrary dictation of superior officers, it 
was in many respects a pleasant and delightful experi- 
ence, and to some of us who were detailed as orderlies 
and clerks at post headquarters, with the privilege of fill- 
ing out our own passes, and exercising when off duty 
an almost absolute freedom of will, it was one prolonged 
picnic. 

Most if not all of the camp ground was comprised 
within the farms of Mr. Barnes and Mr. Stevens, the 
house of the latter situated near the corner of the pond 
being used as a boarding house for the officers. For 
thirty years after its occupancy the old camp ground 
remained almost undisturbed, showing hardly a change 
since 1862. It was possible to travel over the fields, pick 
out the regimental and companies' streets, and even 
locate the position of individual tents by the trenches 
which still remained. Many a well-preserved stake was 
pulled up as a memento of those far-off days. Some 
years since a portion of one pleasant Sabbath afternoon 
was passed upon the ground by two comrades, in com- 
pany with the proprietor, Mr. Barnes, who pointed out 
the places of interest and recalled delightful reminis- 
cences. At the time of the encampment he will be 
remembered as a vigorous and well-to-do farmer in the 
prime of manhood, and now you behold him a patri- 
archal and venerable old gentleman, full of years, and 
covered with the earmarks of an honorable and well- 
spent life. He recalled the circumstance of the burn- 
ing of his barn on the 18th of October, 1862, when the 
fine horse of Major Hodges perished in the flames. In 
most respects those were uneventful weeks, not many 
events occurring which now seem worthy of being re- 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 7 

corded upon the pages of a regimental history, and yet 
it is desirable at least to draw the outline which one 
must fill up with his own reminiscent imagination to 
complete the full picture. 

Let us live over in recollection a single day, from the 
bugle call at five in the morning to taps at nine in the 
evening, when all lights were out or, as used to be said, 
we "doused the glim." And how the evenings after 
supper were given up to rollicking fun, story-telling, 
singing and card playing, and sometimes serenading dif- 
ferent officers. By the way, no regiment was better 
equipped for serenades than ours, for our band came to 
be recognized as the best one in the Department of the 
Gulf, and was selected by General Banks to accompany 
him on the steamer North Star on his departure to the 
South to relieve General Butler. The boys will always 
associate "Listen to the Mocking-bird" with our old 
50th regimental band, Henry Johnston, leader. The pro- 
ficiency acquired by the regiment in keeping step and 
marching was largely due to the band. 

The days and weeks at Boxford had lengthened into 
months, and the mild and balmy weather of a New Eng- 
land autumn was followed by a severe rainstorm, so 
violent that the guards were taken off, and the tents 
were flooded with water, in some instances a foot deep, 
and some of the men sought shelter in neighboring barns. 

On the 7th and 8th of November occurred the first 
snowstorm of the season, the snow falling to a depth of 
six inches, and the inclement weather of the closing 
weeks there caused most of the men to look forward with 
glad anticipation to a departure which promised change 
of scene and a milder climate; and then when it is re- 
membered how large a portion of the members of the 
regiment were only on the threshold of early manhood, 
a time when we almost seem to tread the air, buoyed up 
by physical vigor and animal spirits, it is probable they 
were looking forward with pleasing expectation to the 



8 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

excitement and adventures of army life, little realizing 
the dangers and hardships before them, that some would 
return with shattered health and others would never 
return. 

The 19th of November, 1862, was ushered in with a 
dull and rainy morning, when knapsacks were packed, 
overcoats and equipments donned, guns shouldered, and 
companies formed, and the regimental line was on its 
farewell march through the deserted camp ground, for 
the long train which was to bear us on our first stage 
towards the scene of war. After the usual delay in 
loading baggage and men, and a final parting from sor- 
rowing and weeping friends, the train started, and life at 
Camp Stanton, with all its pleasant recollections, was 
forever closed. Arrived in Boston, the regiment was 
again formed and, with cheers and a Godspeed from 
enthusiastic friends and citizens, the line of march was 
taken to the Boston and Worcester depot, where we 
boarded the cars over the Worcester and Norwich route. 
After a painful delay, and more painful adieus, the engine 
hauled out, and we were on our way to New York, arriv- 
ing in the evening at Allyn's Point, about half past ten, 
when we were transferred to the steamers City of New 
York and City of Boston. The ensuing morning was 
cloudy and rainy, but how happy and exuberant were the 
boys as, rising from hard beds, they issued forth upon 
deck and beheld for the first time the beauties of Long 
Island Sound and the approach to New York, passing 
the Great Eastern, sailing up through Hell Gate and 
East River, by Blackwell's Island and Brooklyn, to the 
pier. The regiment disembarked and marched through 
muddy streets up Broadway to City Hall Park, where 
guns were stacked and breakfast was served at the bar- 
racks in front of City Hall. To the men of the 50th 
Regiment this part of the city will always seem the most 
interesting section of New York. At one end was the 
venerable City Hall dating back to the early part of the 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 9 

century, on one side the famous Astor House and on the 
other the newspaper houses of the Tribune, the Herald 
and the Times, with French's and Lovejoy's Hotels, 
where old-time hospitality was dispensed with a hearty 
good-will. 

In the afternoon the regiment formed and marched 
to barracks on Franklin Street, where clean and com- 
fortable quarters were furnished. A guard was placed 
over the building, but the temptation to do the town 
that night was too great for some of the more ingenious 
and adventurous spirits, who, by various devices, out- 
witted and outflanked the guard. As they came 
straggling in through the evening recounting the sights 
and adventures to comrades, a pretty general resolve was 
developed by the next morning on the part of the boys 
to make the most at least of one day in New York. In 
some mysterious way men eluded the vigilance of officers 
and guards. 

Shutters were wrenched off from rear windows of the 
basement, and squads in twos and threes were seen issu- 
ing through the opening on the way to French's Hotel 
and other hostelries for breakfast. Notwithstanding the 
depressing influence of a drenching rain and muddy 
streets, since the days of Hendrik Hudson it is doubtful 
if any body of men ever enjoyed the attractions of New 
York with greater zest than the members of the regi- 
ment, from eight o'clock on the morning of November 
21 to the small hours of the next day. On the morn- 
ing of the 22d, knapsacks were again packed and about 
ten o'clock we marched to the ferry, crossed over to 
Williamsburg, and in heavy marching order proceeded 
through the city, out into the country to the Union Race 
Course at Jamaica, a distance of eight or nine miles, 
where a rendezvous had been established for troops 
assigned to the Banks expedition, known as Camp Banks, 
and commanded by Col. Thomas E. Chickering of the 
41st Massachusetts. The weather was raw and chill v. 



10 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

The boys, unaccustomed to long marches and weighed 
down as they were with blankets and heavily packed 
knapsacks, had a hard and tedious day until four o'clock 
in the afternoon, when they reached camp, stacked arms 
and doffed equipments. Tents were soon furnished and 
pitched, neighboring fences demolished for floors, hay 
procured, and before dark the regiment had established 
for itself comparatively comfortable quarters. With what 
ravenous appetites the rations of coffee, bread and ham 
were devoured that evening! After getting settled and 
looking about the camp we find our old Boxford acquaint- 
ances of the 41st Regiment. Among other troops also 
were the 42d and 52d Massachusetts Regiments, the 15th 
and 16th New Hampshire, the 161st New York, five regi- 
ments from Connecticut and two batteries, all awaiting 
orders to sail in the Banks expedition. 

The hotel accommodations were rather limited that 
night. In many cases six men were assigned to one 
room in a small tent, and there was no place to hang 
up clothes and put away trunks. In fact, after dividing 
the camp crosswise into six equal parts, there was not 
left the fractional part of an inch for a back rest, and so 
every man had to lie on his side and, at intervals during 
the night when a changed position was desired, the com- 
mand rang out "right about face," requiring movements 
perhaps giving evidence of military discipline, but not 
always conducive to a sweet temper. "If Uncle Sam 
had happened along the next morning there would have 
been some plain talk." 

Sunda}^, November 23. *" To-day we perfected our 
tent arrangements by confiscating board fences and 
appropriating them to our necessities. The first thought 
of a good soldier is to have a floor to his tent." 

"The commissary not providing a sufficient quantity 
of straw for beds, we were obliged to draw on a farmer 
in the vicinity. He had not threshed it and we could 

* From the diary of Sergeant Nelson. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 11 

not very well oblige him to do so, therefore took it as it 
was. When we left we did not take the straw with us, 
and he probably got his own again." 

November 24, 25 and 26. "On regular camp duty 
each day. The parties who contracted to victual the 
forces in this vicinity (which numbers not far from 
20,000 men) are evidently more anxious to fill their own 
pockets than they are the stomachs of the soldiers, but 
during this time we had found a remedy by taking the 
matter into our own hands." 

* "A few irregularities, such as sending several squads 
for our daily rations, and, while waiting, reaching for 
cheese, pies and crockery-ware and anji^hing not our 
own, soon brought the high contracting parties to terms: 
our camp cooks are overrun with soft bread and bacon 
and we soon can open a boarding house." 

November 27. Thanksgiving. This is a day of pleas- 
ant memories to every son of New England, and most 
of us long for the good old-time turkey of our boyhood. 
Some have received well-filled boxes from home, a few 
dine at Snedecker's Hotel, and others get through the 
lines and go to New York. It is almost impossible to 
obtain a pass, but if we return to quarters our absence 
is overlooked and no questions asked. The city theaters 
were well patronized that evening by recruits from Camp 
Banks, who came straggling back from midnight to noon 
of the next day. How exquisite sometimes a stolen 
pleasure, and what superb acting was that of Mr. and 
Mrs. Barney Williams, the Irish comedians, at Winter 
Garden ! 

The soldiers are gradually leaving for the South. On 
the 27th and 28th several regiments depart from New 
York to embark on transports. Among them. Companies 
A, K, E and I of the 50th, under Captain Putnam, are 
ordered to the city and are quartered at the Park Bar- 
racks. On the 29th these companies were taken down 

* From the diary of Sergeant Nelson. 



12 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

stream on a tug to the transport Illinois, which they were 
to board, but the steamer was so loaded down with 
troops and supplies they returned to the city, till other 
accommodations could be provided. 

" New York, Sunday, Nov. 30, 1862. Some of the boys 
who had come from New York made another visit to 
Central Park. We examined every nook and corner of 
the whole Park. We attended church in the evening, 
at a place called a German beer-garden. It was not 
much like our New England churches, and the services 
were conducted wholly unlike Sunday-evening meetings 
at home. The choir was composed of several instru- 
mental performers who didn't play 'Old Hundred' and 
'Homeward Bound,' but the music was more of the 
lively. The speakers were as numerous as the audience, 
and there was not a dry one among them all. They 
never could say at that meeting, 'It is dull as Sunday.'" 

December 1. Company I sailed from New York in 
advance of the other companies of the regiment on the 
steamer New Brunswick, and arrived at Baton Rouge, 
La., December 16. Companies A, K and E remained 
at Park Barracks until December 10, when they em- 
barked on the Jersey Blue under Captain Putnam. 
The experience of these companies from this time until 
they rejoined the rest of the regiment at Baton Rouge 
will be given in another chapter as recorded in the diary 
of Sergeant Nelson of Company K. 

*" December 3, 4, 5 and 6. During these four days 
those of us who came from Camp Banks have reveled in 
New York scenes. Some spent the time at Trinity 
Church, whose wide doors stood open through the day. 
From the summit of the tower the view is grand beyond 
expression. Broadway, from the Battery up to Grace 
Church and beyond, is filled with teeming thousands. 
North and East Rivers are covered with steamers of 
every description. Staten Island, Jersey City and Brook- 

* From the diary of Sergeant Nelson. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 13 

lyn are distinctly visible to the naked eye. So much to 
see, one is perfectly lost in wonder at the vastness of the 
city. Harper's publishing establishment came in for a 
share of investigation. The gentleman in charge wel- 
comed us with a cordiality like that of an old-time friend, 
conducting us over the entire building, and explaining to 
us the process of book-making. We left with the firm 
conviction that the 'blue' stands as well in New York 
as in Massachusetts, to say the least. 

"Sunday, December 7. Several of us attended Plym- 
outh Church morning and evening. It is not surprising 
that every one goes there; everything is full to overflow- 
ing. The way and manner of taking in strangers, the 
arrangement of seating the audience, the singing of the 
powerful choir assisted by the congregation — and they all 
sing because they can't help it — are very effective. Then 
the tunes they sing and the hush which awaits the rise 
of the speaker, and the speaker's manner and matter are 
so interesting, so taking. Of Grace Church it can be said 
it is very stylish. The quartet singing was enchanting. 
The sermon was good, but many seats were vacant, and 
those occupied were filled with very well-dressed people, 
and the audience has the reputation of being fashionable 
and exclusive. An interesting story is told of General 
Banks in connection with the church. As the story 
goes, he attended church one day, perhaps looking rather 
ordinary, his overcoat covering the insignia of his rank. 
An usher requested him to vacate his seat as it was 
engaged by a lieutenant. After the general had taken a 
back seat, either through accident or design he allowed 
his overcoat to fall back, exhibiting the stars of a major 
general. The usher was overwhelmed with shame, but 
no argument could prevail upon the general to again 
change his seat." 

Companies B, C, D, F and G remained, or rather were 
supposed to remain, in camp till December 12, living on 
army rations, drilling and doing guard duty, but as a 



14 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

matter of fact a very large part of the time was spent 
by us in the city in riotous Hving. On Friday, Decem- 
ber 9, we experienced a severe snowstorm, followed by 
clear, cold weather, and the next day the tide began to 
set towards New York, and the camp was pretty gener- 
ally deserted for several days. On the 12th the final 
order was issued for us to strike tents and proceed to 
Brooklyn to embark for the South. Some of the good 
citizens of Brooklyn, hucksters and dealers in fruits, 
exhibited a most innocent and confiding trust on that 
day, as they left barrels of apples on sidewalks to tempt 
the ravenous appetites of hungry soldiers. There was a 
forgetfulness of "meum" and "tuum." 

Expostulations and regrets were in vain, and sad to 
relate, there was a track left bare and desolate. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 15 



CHAPTER II 

COMPANY H REFUSES TO GO ON THE NIAGARA, ON WHICH 

COMPANIES B, C, D, F AND G EMBARK COMPANY H 

SAILS FROM NEW YORK ON THE JENNY LIND — THE 
NIAGARA SPRINGS ALEAK AND TAKES FIRE OFF THE 
DELAWARE BREAKWATER AND IS TOWED UP THE 

DELAWARE RIVER TO PHILADELPHIA EXPERIENCE 

IN THE "city of BROTHERLY LOVE " 

THE transport which had been assigned to us was 
the steamer Niagara, a miserable and weather- 
beaten old river craft, the property of Commodore 
Vanderbilt, likely during the first storm to go to the bottom 
with all on board. The captain was a gnarled and surly 
specimen of the typical old salt, obstinate, irascible and 
pugnacious. Five of the companies were embarked, but 
Company H refused to go on board, recognizing her 
dangerous condition. 

As it is desirable, so far as possible, to follow the differ- 
ent sections of the regiment from the time they were 
separated in New York and Fortress Monroe till they 
were united in Louisiana, here is inserted the account of 
Company H, as given by Corporal Henry, from December 
12 till his company reached Philadelphia. 

"After the other five companies had embarked Company 
H was ordered on board. During the transfer, the nautical 
men, of whom there were quite a number in Company H, 
acting upon their previous knowledge of the condition and 
reputation of the Niagara, and judging from her appear- 
ance, after receiving the five companies and their luggage 
on board, succeeded in imbuing their less nautical com- 
rades with a feeling that the boat was already over- 
loaded and unsafe, when they, as a company, refused to 
embark. After considerable urging, some threatening 



16 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

and a short conference among the officers, the fasts were 
ordered cast off, and we steamed over to the Battery. 
Here we disembarked and marched up Broadway to the 
Park Barracks, where the more timid ones passed a very 
anxious night, discussing the probable outcome of the 
very unusual action of the company. 

"At nine o'clock on the following morning the order 
was given to pack knapsacks and fall into line, when we 
were marched out of the barracks down Broadway to 
the Battery, on board of the tug, and very shortly found 
ourselves once more alongside the Niagara, when the 
order was given to march on board. As before, there 
was no satisfactory response to the order. The sober 
discussion of the matter during the previous twenty- 
four hours had only strengthened the determination of 
the company not to place their lives in jeopardy to 
satisfy the greed of government contractors. Threats 
were made to call upon Regular troops quartered at the 
forts and force us on board, but to no avail. After a 
lengthy conference among the officers, it was decided to 
send a messenger to Commodore Vanderbilt who char- 
tered the Niagara to the government, and have him 
come out and look over the situation before resorting to 
harsh measures. 

"The commodore was fortunately within reach and 
immediately responded. After viewing and discussing 
the situation very pleasantly with the more resolute 
members of the company, he decided it was not safe to 
place another company on board, which decision was a 
great relief to Company H, and no doubt to the other 
companies already on board. Once more casting off 
from the Niagara, we gave three hearty cheers for the old 
commodore, steamed back to the Battery, disembarked, 
and again marched up Broadway to the Park Barracks. 
In due time the Niagara sailed, and her experience 
can be better detailed by members of Companies B, C, 
D, F and G, and the officers accompanying them. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 17 

"On arrival of the Niagara at Philadelphia, Lieutenant- 
Colonel Locke immediately left for New York on busi- 
ness connected with the expedition and called on us at 
the Park Barracks. He was enthusiastic over the action 
of Company H, but was too good a disciplinarian not to 
realize the serious breach of discipline, and although he 
acknowledged the stand taken by the company had un- 
doubtedly saved the lives of six hundred men, rather 
intimated that an extended vacation for the company 
at the Dry Tortugas would not be entirely out of order. 
The excitement of the Niagara's affair over, we immedi- 
ately began to canvass our present position. We had 
hoped by this time to be well on our way to the sunny 
South, and it was a sore disappointment to find ourselves 
hived up within the barracks and Park enclosure. We 
were not made of that material, however, which remains 
long cast down, so at once began to look for ways and 
means to break the monotony of our enforced inac- 
tivity. 

"It will no doubt occur to the reader that being in the 
metropolis of the country, it would not be difficult to 
map out a program of sufficient interest to occupy the 
time for several days, and it would not have been had 
we been ordinary American citizens free to come and go 
as we pleased, but we were soldiers sworn into the mili- 
tary service of the United States, and bound therefore 
to obey the laws governing that service, one of which 
was 'obey your superior officers.' Orders had been 
issued forbidding our leaving the barracks without per- 
mission, and that permission was extremely difficult to 
obtain. But we had disobeyed orders in one instance 
without serious consequences, why not again? 

"In our first transgression the end justified the means. 
We had made up our minds to take the chances of what- 
ever punishment the act might bring upon us, feeling 
that the lives of six hundred men were of more value than 
the liberties of one hundred. Legally we were wrong, 



18 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

but morally we were right. But we were unable to find 
any justification for a disobedience of orders, simply to 
gratify our own desires, however harmless those desires 
might be to the service. However, we were pressed from 
the ranks of free and independent civil life, impatient of 
restraint, and the temptation finally proved too much 
for the bolder ones who were soon to be found on the 
streets, at first only a short distance from the barracks 
or at the nearest stores, but soon becoming more and 
more daring, they finally could be found in all quarters 
of the city. 

"We had to be constantly on the alert, and it was 
almost an hourly occurrence for some one to come rush- 
ing into the Park after a long chase with one or more of 
the provost guard close at his heels. Very rarely, if 
ever, did they follow us inside the enclosure. Whether 
it was because their duty did not require it, or whether 
they had a wholesome fear of consequences, we never 
knew, but they generally remained outside long enough 
to have thrown at them over the Park fence remarks and 
gesticulations of such a character as not to lessen their 
vigilance in the slightest degree in preventing us upon 
future occasions from enjoying the fruits of stolen liberty. 
In a few days we had succeeded, very much against our 
interests and desires, in stimulating them to a commend- 
able activity in the line of their duty, which furnished us 
with amusing and not a few disastrous experiences. 

"We remained in New York some ten days when we 
received orders to proceed on board the bark Jenny Lind, 
which had been fitted up for us, and in due time sailed 
for Philadelphia, where, after a very pleasant and enjoy- 
able passage, we arrived on the 1st day of January, 1863, 
and joined the companies from whom we had been sepa- 
rated in New York." 

Returning now to the five companies that embarked 
on the Niagara, we will follow them in their experience 
for the next few weeks. The boat was crowded, and a 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 19 

general distrust as to her seaworthiness prevailed among 
the troops that remained. Everything was confusion; 
no well-organized commissariat. The men bunked wher- 
ever they could find a spot, and devoured the scanty and 
irregular rations that they were able to get. Growling 
soon came to be a chronic complaint; and it always 
seemed as if those growled loudest and longest who had 
sacrificed in their change of life the least. 

If you ever found a man who had come into camp 
filthy and unkempt, who had exchanged his seedy and 
ragged suit for the comfortable uniform of Uncle Sam, 
who had been underclothed and underfed at home, you 
were very likely to find one who made the most exacting 
demands on the government, while those who had been 
better born and better nurtured were better able to 
realize the sacrifices that must necessarily be endured, 
and to bear with equanimity the hardships incident to 
army life. The best soldiers were generally young men 
whose habits were not fixed, and who could more easily 
adapt themselves to changed conditions. Take a per- 
son of middle age who had very likely been an estimable 
citizen at home, he was apt to fret and pine under hard- 
ships and privations to which he was not accustomed. 
And then if a man was selfish and greedy he was always 
sure to make an exhibition of himself in the army. It 
was a fertile field in which to cultivate the best and worst 
traits of character. 

Remaining on board Friday night and the next day 
and getting settled as best we could, at two o'clock on 
the afternoon of Saturday, December 13, the ropes were 
cast loose and the Niagara proceeded down the bay 
under sealed orders. As night came on it was a new and 
delightful sensation to some of us to stand on deck, look 
out on the water and watch the phosphorescent light as 
the ship plowed through the waves on her onward course. 
We turned in, or rather turned down, with pleasing anti- 
cipations of a prosperous and interesting voyage. 



20 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

On Sunday morning the sun rose over a smooth sea, 
the weather was warm and pleasant, but the tranquilhty 
without was lost in the commotion and excitement 
within, for the ancient craft caught fire and sprang 
aleak. The fire was extinguished, but the leak caused 
her to incline to the larboard, and to right her the men 
were moved to the starboard. These mishaps were seri- 
ous enough, but to cap the climax the machinery gave 
out off Cape May, and the only course left was to put in 
to Delaware Breakwater, where we cast anchor about 
ten A.M. off Lewes, near Cape Henlopen. 

The air was balmy as on an autumnal day, and it 
began to look as if our nine months' service was pretty 
largely to consist in visiting the great cities of the nation 
and making ourselves familiar with the geography of the 
country, for the officers held a solemn council and de- 
cided that the craft was unseaworthy, and that we must 
put into the nearest port, and that port was Philadel- 
phia. A pilot was taken aboard, and the next morning 
at half past five o'clock the anchor was hauled up and 
we steamed up the river, rather Delaware Bay, for at its 
mouth the river broadens into an arm of the sea. 

What a delightful day that was, spent on deck sailing 
up between the shores of Delaware and New Jersey, the 
former much more attractive in appearance, however, 
than the latter! It was almost impossible to realize that 
this was the middle of December, as we looked over the 
neat and well-tilled farms, and saw green grass, and cattle 
feeding in the pastures. The weather was like that of 
many a New England day in May or June, but as we pro- 
ceeded up the river it grew colder, and in Pennsylvania 
snow was observed upon the river banks. In the pass- 
ing panorama there was a pleasing variety of city and 
country, for the pastoral beauty of fertile farms and 
scattered hamlets was interspersed with such towns as 
New Castle, Wilmington and Chester. 

After a long and interesting day brightened with de- 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 21 

lightful anticipations of Philadelphia, we came to anchor 
off the city at five p.m., but alas, our hopes for a season 
met with bitter disappointment. From Monday until 
Saturday the men were kept on board the boat, leading 
a cheerless and monotonous life, with cold, damp and 
disagreeable weather, many of the boys catching cold 
and going on the sick list. But on Saturday, December 
20, the welcome order was given to pack knapsacks and 
disembark. 

The companies were marched to comfortable barracks 
on Swanson Street near the wharf, where we remained 
during our stay, being furnished with meals from the 
Union and Cooper refreshment saloons near by, where 
we received every attention and the most generous hos- 
pitality. 

Connected with these saloons was a hospital and an 
ample room where facilities were furnished for reading 
and writing. Words can hardly express the kindness 
lavished upon the soldiers by the people of this patriotic 
city during the war. The hospitalities of the citizens 
were extended to us, and the doors of public entertain- 
ment and amusement were thrown open. The men were 
often invited to church, and in many instances were 
urged by the large-hearted people to accompany them 
home and dine at the family board. Whether it was 
because they were nearer the seat of war, and more fully 
appreciated the danger of an invasion by a rebel army, 
or whether naturally they were warmer-hearted and more 
demonstrative than the descendants of Puritan New 
England, it is certain that we were treated with a cor- 
diality and generosity which left a lasting impression on 
every member of the 50th Regiment who passed a few 
weeks among the pleasantest of his life in the city so 
aptly called "The City of Brotherly Love." 

On occasions as at Christmas and New- Year's Day, 
elegant and cultured ladies took possession of the refresh- 
ment rooms where we dined, and served to us the deli- 



22 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

cacies of a holiday dinner. Whenever we chanced about 
the city, every one had for us a kind word, and was ready 
to show us every attention. The Union and Cooper 
saloons, to which reference has been made, had rather 
an interesting history. They were supported by private 
contributions, with the outgrowth from small beginnings 
of the efforts of an old gentleman named Brown. Troops 
in passing through the city were accustomed to make 
halts of greater or less length, and any refreshments were 
sought for with the keenest avidity by the hungry sol- 
diers, and so the good man used to seize a coffeepot, a 
plate of biscuits, and anything else he might have from 
his own table, and distribute so far as they went among 
the boys. The next step was to get a large kettle on the 
street where he boiled coffee. Afterwards others, follow- 
ing his example, contributed more, and so from this little 
start there grew up two great saloons with accommoda- 
tions ample to feed a regiment day and night. 

The Cooper saloon was so called because it had for- 
merly been a cooper shop. So ready were people to 
give, that on one occasion while we were there, Mr. 
Brown had been out to solicit contributions of coal, and 
reported that forty-two tons had been offered him, 
enough to run the rooms for two years. Let the name 
of this worthy citizen be held in grateful remembrance 
for his patriotic and kindly service. In spirit at least 
he was a descendant of William Penn. 

We remained in Philadelphia from December 20 until 
January 7, doing a limited amount of drilling and an 
unlimited amount of sight-seeing. The festivities that 
accompanied the holidays here forty years ago were far 
greater than in New England at that time. Who of the 
boys that were on the streets the night before Christmas 
will ever forget the hilarity and enthusiasm that every- 
where prevailed? It reminded one of young America's 
celebration of the Fourth of July at home. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 23 



CHAPTER III 

COMPANIES B, C, D, F, G AND H SAIL FROM PHILADELPHIA 
ON THE JENNY LIND, PUTTING IN AT FORTRESS MON- 
ROE — THE VOYAGE AND SAIL UP THE RIVER TO NEW 
ORLEANS AND BATON ROUGE 

ON December 31 the transport Jenny Lind arrived 
from New York, with Company H on board. She 
had been chartered to take the place of the Niagara, 
and the few days remaining to us in Philadelphia were 
largely devoted to the loading of stores and making prepara- 
tions for the continuance of our voyage. She was a sailing 
vessel fitted up with bunks between decks for the accom- 
modation of the men, the after part under the cabin being 
reserved for the hospital. Captain West of the Niagara 
refused to give up the supplies, and he only yielded when 
a detail of six men from each company went on board 
and enforced the order for their removal. 

On January 7 all were ordered to be on board at ten 
A.M., but it was two o'clock before the Jenny Lind left 
the wharf in tow of a tugboat which took the vessel 
down to the bay. Our departure from Philadelphia was 
accompanied with waving of flags and the firing of 
salutes. On the ship were Companies B, C, D, F, G and 
H, between five and six hundred men, packed like cattle 
between decks, four in a bunk, the cabins being reserved 
for regimental company and staff officers. The berths 
were built one above the other, so close together that we 
could only crawl in and lie down, but could not sit up, 
and the close air, reeking with the exhalations from so 
many bodies, became fetid and noxious, and a little later 
when the motion of the vessel and the nauseous atmos- 
phere produced general seasickness, there was presented 



24 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

a loathsome and filthy picture never to be forgotten. 
The experience of those few days from Philadelphia to 
Fortress Monroe can be recalled only with a shudder of 
disgust. 

The tug left us Thursday morning, January 8, and 
during most of the time Thursday, Friday and Saturday 
we lay at anchor buffeted by head winds. A few refresh- 
ing whiffs on deck would occasionally revive us, and then 
the cold and searching blast would drive us below, so we 
came to know what it meant to be "between the devil 
and the deep sea." Saturday night, wild and stormy, 
found us within a few miles of the mouth of the bay. 
The wind howled through the rigging. There was an 
angry sea, and the monotones of the sailors, as they 
hauled the ropes and braced the yards, reverberated 
through the ship like weird music. Sunday, January 11, 
dropping the pilot, we passed the breakwater and put 
out to sea, and with a good breeze our course lay along 
the coast of Delaware and Maryland until dark. During 
the night the wind blew almost a gale. Monday morn- 
ing Cape Charles appeared in the distance and gradually 
we rounded into Chesapeake Bay, dropping anchor near 
Fortress Monroe about five p.m., Tuesday, January 15. 

The air was warm and balmy, an agreeable contrast 
to the weather of the last two days. Near by loomed up 
the grim walls of the fort; about us lay a fleet of trans- 
ports loaded with troops, and in the distance was the 
town of Hampton and Hampton Roads, where were 
sunk on the 8th of March the Congress and Cumberland, 
and where on the next day was fought the contest be- 
tween the Monitor and the Merrimac. It was a gay and 
lively scene; vessels loaded with soldiers; boats plying 
between ship and shore; and the stars and stripes float- 
ing to the breeze in all directions. 

But notwithstanding the present surroundings, the 
murmurs of discontent which had been heard since leav- 
ing Philadelphia were ripening into loud imprecations 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 25 

and almost open revolt at the poor and meagre rations 
and bad treatment to which we had been subjected. 
The rations had consisted principally of unpalatable 
coffee, poor hard bread and miserable beef, poetically 
called "salt horse." When this bill of fare is regularly 
served up day after day, it becomes in time rather 
monotonous. Then the reflection that the ship was 
cruelly overcrowded and that the accommodations for 
cooking were utterly inadequate had no tendency to 
soothe the irritation of the men. There had been gross 
blundering somewhere. Whether the fault lay at the 
door of the quartermaster, the colonel, the surgeon or 
unscrupulous contractors, the complaints of the men 
reached the officers, so in the evening the lieutenant 
colonel, major, surgeon and other officers took possession 
of the galley and proved themselves very efficient cooks. 
These may seem like small and rather insignificant 
matters to lay before the reader, but the real value of a 
regimental history consists in drawing a picture true to 
life; in presenting men as they are, and not in painting 
an heroic elevation of character which rarely if ever 
exists at all times and under all circumstances. The 
best of men have their limitations, and heroic qualities 
are usually exhibited only on great occasions. The man 
who may growl over a poor dinner will often meet a 
glorious death with a patriotism and courage that stamp 
his name upon the memory of a grateful nation. We 
admire Boswell's "Life of Johnson" because he drew a 
portrait exhibiting all the strength and weakness of the 
man. 

An inspector came on board from the fortress and con- 
demned packing so many men into the ship, and so 
Companies B, D and F were transferred from the Jenny 
Lind to the Montebello, whose experience from Fortress 
Monroe to Baton Rouge will be given in a subsequent 
chapter. Only Companies C, G and H were left, whose 
voyage will first be followed, and the threads of the other 



26 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

companies taken up, till the reunion of the entire regi- 
ment in Louisiana. Released of three companies, a new 
allotment was made of the berths, and the men settled 
down for the remainder of the voyage to comparative 
comfort. 

Ship Jenny Lind, from Fortress Monroe to New Orleans. 

Saturday, January 17, 1863. At two p.m. got under way 
and proceeded out to sea. Wind N.W., cloudy. 

Sunday, January 18. Strong gale from N.W., cloudy. 

Monday, January 19. Heavy gale from N.W., and 
tremendous sea running. 

Tuesday, January 20. Heavy gale from N.E., and 
frequent squalls. Heavy sea tossing the ship to and fro. 

Wednesday, January 21. Strong gale from the S. 
and much rain. Indicates a violent storm. 

Thursday, January 22. Heavy gale from the N.W. 
Heavy sea on. The ship laboring hard. 

Friday, January 23. Heavy gale from the N. A 
general uneasiness amongst the troops. At eleven p.m. 
made the Hole in the Wall. Light ahead which is on the 
island of Abaco near Nassau, New Providence. 

Saturday, January 24. Fresh breeze from N.W. Saw 
a group of islands called the Bahama Islands. 

Sunda)'', January 25. Fresh breeze and pleasant 
weather. At four p.m. passed Great Isaac Lighthouse. At 
seven p.m. passed Gun Cay Light, N.W. end of Great 
Bahama banks. 

Monday, January 26. Fresh breezes from the east. 
Very pleasant, all sail set. Every one happy and enjoy- 
ing the warm sun of the south. 

Tuesday, January 27. Pleasant weather. All sail set 
to the best advantage. So warm that the boys sleep on 
deck. At eleven p.m. saw the Tortugas Light, sixty miles 
west of Key West. 

Wednesday, January 28. First part of the day fine. 
Middle and latter part violent storm, attended by thunder 
and lightning. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 27 

Thursday, January 29. The gale increases. Ship 
under very Httle sail, rolling and pitching. Many of 
the men tumbling out of their bunks, and some of the 
bunks broken down. 

Friday, January 30. Light breezes and variable. Sails 
in sight. 

Saturday, January 31. Moderate breeze from the east. 
Pleasant and all sail set. Boys in good spirits. 

Wednesday, February 4. A favorable breeze this 
morning brought us in sight of land at the mouth of the 
Southwest Pass of the Mississippi, about nine o'clock. 
The Illinois, loaded with troops, lay aground near us. 
The anchor was dropped at noon, and again weighed at 
four P.M., when the Jenny Lind proceeded up the river as 
far as Pilot Town just in time to escape the force of a 
severe storm of wind and rain. With mingled pleasure, 
gratitude and anticipation we espied in the distance the 
low marshy flats thrown up by the "Father of Waters," 
as he rushes onward into the Gulf of Mexico. 

Pilot Town, a collection of dilapidated shanties just 
rising out of the soft ooze, presented a most alluring pic- 
ture to the men, who for weeks had witnessed day after 
day only the dreary waste of ocean. With what longing 
were eager eyes stretched toward land! The delta of the 
Mississippi is being gradually formed by the earth brought 
down from above, and deposited at its mouth, continually 
changing in its outline by the ever-changing current. 
Geologically speaking it is but a brief time since the 
lower part of Louisiana was embraced within the gulf. 
The land is at present so low near the outlet that it is 
hardly above the level of the sea, and hence arises the 
necessity of levees along the banks to restrain the river 
at high water. 

There are few localities where a person will notice a 
greater change in the aspect of the country than in sail- 
ing up from the Southwest Pass to New Orleans. At 
first one sees the rude huts of fishermen and the hovels 



28 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

of poor whites, down to the very water's level, in the 
midst of coarse, rank reeds, and the abode of alligators, 
lizards and other reptiles. There is no appearance of 
cultivated land, or to speak more properly, there seems 
to be no land to cultivate, with an absence of all energy 
and thrift. At least such was the condition of the coun- 
try in 1863. As you proceed up the river a gradual 
change is noticed. The ruinous cabins give place to 
more comfortable abodes. A little tract of garden is 
flourishing with tropical luxuriance, and soon a few 
scattered orange trees herald the approach to beautiful 
groves a little farther up. By the time Forts St. Philip 
and Jackson had been passed, the scenery was watched 
with absorbing interest, especially by a New Englander, 
and tenfold more so if he was fresh from the severities 
of a northern winter. A sudden bend in the river reveals 
to him the white mansion house of some proud old Creole 
family, with verandas extending around from either story, 
the house itself buried perhaps in a grove of luxuriant 
orange trees, weighed down with ripe yellow fruit. 

Perchance there are only enchanting glimpses of the 
roof and white chimneys peeping out from the green 
foliage. A tasty fence or well-trimmed hedge runs along 
parallel with the river. On the bank is constructed a 
cool summer-house as attractive in this climate in Febru- 
ary as in midsummer at home. At a little distance from 
the plantation house are scattered rows of negro cabins, 
each surrounded with a garden patch, with orange trees 
scattered here and there. Occasionally there is dis- 
played about the cabin a good deal of taste, indicating a 
degree of refinement among the blacks. You notice the 
ample sugar house or tobacco factory, with various and 
extensive outbuildings, which make up quite a hamlet. 
Out in the fields the negroes are at work, male and fe- 
male together. Jolly darkies are whipping up the mules 
at double quick. Overseers shouting, wheels rattling, 
drivers grinning, and field hands working, present an 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 29 

interesting and busy spectacle. The little children of 
the master and black pickaninnies play side by side on 
an equality, regardless of the difference of station which 
will by and by develop itself. 

As you admire the cultivation and thrift shown on this 
plantation, and the considerate kindness that apparently 
exists between master and slave, the situation presents 
itself in its fairest guise. The transport, towed up the 
river, proceeds on its course, unrolling to view a constantly 
changing panorama. The scene just described melts 
away in the distance, and presto, what a change! are 
you still in the same country? The well-kept grounds 
and thrifty plantations which have just passed out of 
sight are succeeded by fields going to waste, dilapidated 
fences, and unpainted dreary houses black with age, 
cheerless cabins of unhewn logs with enormous apertures 
between. The whole place is covered with earmarks of 
thriftlessness, laziness and ignorance. And so all classes 
of the South in their various gradations, from the wealthy, 
educated, generous planter down to the poor miserable 
whites who have only enough enterprise to exist, are 
represented along the banks of the Mississippi. 

To return to our anchorage near Pilot Town, we re- 
mained there from Thursday to Sunday, waiting for a 
tug, the weather cold and piercing, a great change from 
the almost tropical climate of the gulf. 

On Friday, February 6, occurred the funeral services 
over the body of Comrade Parker of Company G, who 
had died the previous Wednesday, and was buried on a 
small island at the mouth of the river. This was the 
first death in the company since leaving home, but was 
the forerunner of many more which afterwards made 
sad havoc in the ranks of the regiment. 

Saturday, February 7, the Hartford, Admiral Farragut's 
flagship, came down the river and anchored just above 
us. 

Sunday, February 8, after a long and tedious delay the 



30 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

tugboat St. Charles took us in tow with two other craft 
about eight a.m., and steamed up the river for New Orleans, 
reaching Forts Jackson and St. PhiUp about dark and 
anchoring five miles above, where we found the Monte- 
hello with varioloid on board, and a mail for our three 
companies. 

Monday, February 9. We continued on up the river 
eagerly watching the monotonous but ever-changing 
scenery, beautiful with groves of oranges and sycamores. 
One of the most interesting features of the day was a 
boatload of oranges which came alongside and found a 
ready market among men who for weeks had lived upon 
a salt diet. The delicious flavor of that fruit is still a 
pleasant memory after the lapse of more than forty years. 
This may seem like driveling in small and unimportant 
things, but let the reader remember that this is not the 
history of great events intended for the general public, 
but the recollection of commonplace, everyday incidents 
which should bring back in fresh retrospect, to those of us 
who survive, the experiences and sensations which in 
many cases have almost faded from memory. What 
primitive customs in some instances still prevailed, as 
was witnessed in the threshing of grain by horses or 
mules treading over the extended sheaves! 

Tuesday, February 10. A dense fog on the river com- 
pelled us to anchor a little after midnight till morning, 
when the passage was resumed and the city of New 
Orleans reached about eleven a.m. We passed the George 
Peahody at anchor with the 4th Massachusetts on board. 
As the Jenny Lind sailed by, the regimental band greeted 
us with national and patriotic airs. The events of this 
day stand out in bold relief. Impatient to land and see 
the sights and enjoy the attractions of the "Crescent 
City" after a long, tedious confinement, the boys were 
not allowed to leave the ship, but there was an outlook 
from the deck of absorbing interest. About us was a 
busy and animated scene. Up and down the stream 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 31 

were craft of every kind and description; boats plying in 
all directions; hucksters alongside vending fruit and 
pastry ; gardens, shubbery and green foliage on the shore, 
indicating pleasant homes and delightful retreats. Just 
opposite, the walls of a nunnery rose above the trees, and 
then the arrival on board of letters from home was hailed 
with eager delight. The atmosphere was that of a sultry 
midsummer day in the North, but towards evening the 
sky became overcast, accompanied by a rapid fall of 
temperature. 

Wednesday, February 11. Another large arrival of 
letters and papers this morning. Everything indicates 
great military activity. Transports, steamers and gun- 
boats line the river. Just above us a mortar fleet lies 
at anchor. It is reported that we are at once to proceed 
to Baton Rouge, where the army of General Banks is 
concentrating. The transport George Peabody and Ad- 
miral Farragut's flagship, the Hartford, passed up the 
river this morning. With a longing desire our eyes were 
again turned toward the city to-day, but inexorable 
orders still confined us within the narrow limits of the 
ship. 

Thursday, February 12. After the dreary life of five 
weeks aboard the Jenny Lind it was a grateful change to 
be transferred with our stores and ammunition to the 
Iberville, a river steamer which will take the three com- 
panies to Baton Rouge. It was seven o'clock p.m. before 
the transfer was completed, and our new craft steamed 
up to the levee where she lay till noon of the next day. 

Friday, February 13. Standing on the deck of the 
steamer and watching the negroes trundling baggage and 
freight on to the boat was a continual source of enter- 
tainment. Degrading, unjust and cruel as is the system 
of slavery, no people could be more joyous and light- 
hearted than the erst-time bondmen of Louisiana. Many 
officers take passage to join their regiments above. The 
last package on deck and the last passenger on board. 



32 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

the bell rings, lines are cast loose, puffs of smoke burst 
from the great funnel, the wheels revolve, and at noon 
we are moving away from the shore, cleaving the onrush- 
ing current and steaming on our course up towards the 
future scene of conflict. 

Although the plantations along the banks of the river 
were more or less cultivated in those days between New 
Orleans and Baton Rouge, the aspect of the country 
was far different then from now. With well-kept build- 
ings, extensive sugar houses, and the land highly culti- 
vated, it presents to-day the appearance of great thrift 
and prosperity. To a person sailing between the exten- 
sive fields of sugar cane it seems almost like the kaleido- 
scopic view of an earthly paradise. Then but few whites 
were to be seen along the shores, almost the entire popu- 
lation in view being colored; but at every landing the 
darkies afforded infinite entertainment with their gro- 
tesque humor and fantastic antics, which furnished per- 
petual amusement. With the simplicity of children they 
were natural comedians. The Iberville, which was said 
to be the fastest steamer on the river, was branded with 
the marks of war in the numerous bullet holes which 
were seen in her woodwork. 

Saturday, February 14. The fog last night compelled 
us to again haul up at Donaldsonville, where several regi- 
ments were encamped, and it was seven o'clock in the 
morning before we got under way. Donaldsonville was 
once the capital of Louisiana, but it possessed a most 
forlorn appearance. No fine buildings were to be seen 
from the river; the houses generally ruinous and un- 
painted, the entire town looking as if it had gone to seed 
a generation ago. Such was the general aspect of the 
buildings that were seen during the day. The country 
seemed to be pretty generally abandoned by the whites, 
almost the entire population being colored. The draft 
upon the good nature of one who cared for any sleep 
last night was rather considerable, and the man who 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 33-' 

didn't indulge in emphatic words could never be sup- 
posed to use any but commonplace language. The men 
were stretched in every conceivable position on the 
freight, upon the decks, and about the boat trying to get 
a little rest. Perhaps it would be more correct to say 
that every other man was engaged in this laudable pur- 
suit, and it seemed as if almost every second man, either 
possessed of a restless activity or pure cussedness, spent 
the night in one ceaseless round of travel, which griev- 
ously interfered with the comfort and equanimity of 
those who were trying to sleep. When curled up in an 
out-of-the-way corner half asleep, to have a person walk- 
ing over you and prodding you with his feet is rather 
trying to the nerves, and not altogether conducive to^a 
spiritual frame of mind or even good morals. At any 
rate there was more excusable profanity that night than 
was ever before or since heard in the same length of time 
by any member of the regiment. But annoyances and 
discomforts were soon forgotten with the return of light 
and objects of interest which constantly absorbed the 
attention. 

About noon we came abreast of the Kejyper with the 
31st Massachusetts Regiment, having got aground in the 
fog during the night, and unable to get away till we 
hauled her off. A little later Plaquemine was reached 
on the west bank of the river, twenty miles below Baton 
Rouge. Here were three or four steamers with the 31st 
and 38th Massachusetts Regiments on an expedition a 
few miles inland to a place called Indiantown, where 
a brush with the enemy was expected. It was about 
one P.M. when we discerned in the distance the Insane 
Asylum and the ruins of the Capitol high up on the bluffs 
of Baton Rouge. After the monotonous scenery of a 
continuous plain, extending two hundred and fifty miles, 
where the land was generally below the river at high 
water, it was a refreshing change to see once more a 
populous town looking down from the bluffs twenty-five 



34 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

feet high. As our three companies disembarked and 
marched up to the camp ground that had been allotted 
to the regiment near the penitentiary, and met Com- 
panies B, D, F and I, which had preceded us, and lis- 
tened again to the strains of music from the band which 
we had not seen since December, it seemed as if we were 
once more among friends and kindred. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 35 



CHAPTER IV 

COMPANIES B, D AND F SAIL FROM FORTRESS MONROE ON 
THE MONTEBELLO — DIARY OF CORPL. WILLIAM H. NASH 

COMPANIES C, G and H having reached the base of 
operations, let us now return and follow the other 
companies in their various experiences after the regi- 
ment was divided till it was all reunited at Baton Rouge. 
And First Corpl. William H. Nash of Company D tells 
the story of Companies B, D and F, who left the Jenny 
Lind at Fortress Monroe and embarked on the Monte- 
hello. Lieutenant-Colonel Locke commanded the detach- 
ment. 

"June 16, 1863. The Montebello set sail from Fortress 
Monroe at four thirty p.m. 

June 17. With a fair wind we round Cape Hatteras 
and are in the Gulf Stream, watching schools of dolphins 
jumping and playing in the water. 

January 19. Supposed to be off the coast of Florida. 

January 20. At nine o'clock in the forenoon saw land 
for the first time, a barren island known as 'Hole in the 
Wall,' with a lighthouse on it. Are sailing around the 
Bahamas into the gulf. 

January 23. Passed Tortugas during the night. 

January 24. We are becalmed and making but little 
progress. It is a beautiful moonlight night, and the 
Pleiades, Great Dipper and Orion seem like old friends 
looking down upon us as in the days of our boyhood. 

January 26. It is a quiet Sabbath morning, and the 
ship with sails well filled is plowing the waves at eight 
knots an hour. In the afternoon every one is anxiously 
looking for land and hoping to reach the mouth of the 
river before sunset. The habits of the New England 



36 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

men are in striking contrast to those of the New York 
companies on board. The latter amuse themselves with 
cards and poker, while the men from Massachusetts, 
influenced still by the pious traits of Puritan ancestry, 
somewhat observe the day as one set apart for holy 
things. 

January 26. A pilot was taken with the expectation of 
soon entering the river, but the pass was not navigable, 
and we were compelled to sail thirty miles farther to the 
next pass, which was reached at noon, but delay and dis- 
appointment awaited us, for the weather became foggy 
and rainy. We are only nine days and fifteen hours from 
Fortress Monroe. This is said to be a very quick passage 
for a sailing vessel. The New York card-players who 
have given so much trouble are still turbulent. One of 
them, who was put under arrest yesterday, broke away 
from the guard and created great disturbance till he was 
knocked down and handcuffed. 

January 27, The storm is still raging and we have 
drifted badly, and are supposed to be fifty miles from our 
position yesterday noon. The deck is covered with ice, 
the wind blows a gale, and the sailors are so exhausted 
that the soldiers are obliged to assist them. 

January 28. Land is once more in sight, and we are 
hoping to reach the mouth of the river. 

January 29. The weather here is fickle and changeable 
as that of a New England spring. The cold piercing air 
of the last few days was followed this morning by mild 
breezes blowing from the south, and the approach of a 
powerful tug was hailed with delight, which soon made 
fast and towed us over the bar, consuming six hours, 
from eight in the morning till two in the afternoon. A 
little later a second tug, taking in tow the Montebello 
and the ship Onward with the 21st Maine Regiment, pro- 
ceeded up the river. 

January 30. The salute which aroused us this morn- 
ing was a blank shot fired across our bow, and going on 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 37 

deck the sight of Forts Jackson and St. Philip greeted us. 
A boat came alongside and we were allowed to proceed 
five miles to the quarantine station, for smallpox had 
broken out among the New York troops. The station 
was formerly a custom house and consists of a surgeon's 
residence and hospital situated twenty-five miles from 
the mouth of the river. 

January 31. We were allowed to go ashore to do our 
cooking, which was a grateful change after the long and 
tedious confinement on shipboard. There are many 
orange orchards on the other side of the river and we are 
enjoying luscious fruit. 

February 1. Two transports have appeared in the 
stream. Back from the river the land is low and swampy. 
The boys during the night, under cover of darkness, ap- 
propriated the ship's boats and helped themselves to 
pretty liberal supplies of oranges from the other side of 
the river, taking care to return and turn in before light, 
so as to avoid all embarrassing and impertinent questions 
of the exacting officers. Among them three young fel- 
lows took possession of a dugout and paddled across with 
a board, but the current was so strong it carried them 
two miles down the stream before they could land. One 
of them was a youngster who had been intrusted by his 
father to the care of an older comrade. The quasi 
guardian, learning before morning that his ward had 
gone, anxiously waited and watched for his return to 
the wharf, and was greatly relieved when he heard them 
coming, and helped them on the ship with their booty 
concealed in the folds of a rubber blanket. The adven- 
turous young scamps had taken their muskets and stolen 
away prepared for any emergency, and returned after 
enjoying a most exhilarating midnight lark. 

February 3. Cold and windy. A tug came along at 
five P.M. with the ship Herald from New York and took 
us in tow. Passed the wreck of the Veruna, commanded 
by the gallant Captain Boggs, of whom it is said he sunk 



38 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

six of the rebel craft, and then ran his disabled gun- 
boat ashore and saved his crew. Also passed the side- 
wheel steamer Charles Morgan, burned to the water's 
edge in the same action when Farragut went up the 
river. 

February 4. We are still proceeding up the Mississippi 
River, passing sugar plantations and occasionally an 
orange grove. One field of sugar cane must have con- 
tained a hundred acres. At one plantation the slaves 
came out, danced, and waved handkerchiefs, extending a 
hearty welcome. Their massa must have gone away. 

February 5. Anchored last night eight miles below the 
city of New Orleans on account of thunder, lightning and 
rain, and this morning the tug took us up within sight of 
the city and the ship's captain and Lieutenant-Colonel 
Locke went ashore. To-night they returned with the 
unwelcome news that we must go back to quarantine. 

February 6. Started for the quarantine station at two 
A.M., and were six hours in returning seventy miles. 
There are four new cases of smallpox on board, twenty or 
more are being sent to the hospital, and all are being 
vaccinated to-day. The ship George Peahody with the 
4th Massachusetts reached here, the band playing lively 
airs. 

February 7. We are going ashore to-day, are to draw 
rations of raw pork and potatoes, and each man is to 
cook for himself, and is to be allowed to remain on shore 
till three o'clock, and the ship is to haul into the middle 
of the stream where we are ordered to remain for thirty 
days. 

February 8. The Jenny Lind came up the river to- 
night with Companies C, G and H on board. 

February IL Have left the Montebello. Two more 
cases of smallpox are reported to-day. Are doing our 
own cooking in dippers. Our daily rations consist of two 
large spoonfuls of sugar and the same of coffee, a slice of 
pork, and beans or potatoes, which we cook with chips 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 39 

and driftwood gathered from the shore. Our quarters 
are in the first and second stories of the custom house. 

February 12. Ordered to appear on dress parade at 
four thirty p.m., at which Company D mustered thirty 
nine, Company F thirty-seven and Company B forty-two 
men. 

February 13. Two ships have just gone up the river, 
one the Lizzie Southard with the 24th Maine Regiment. 

February 14. We amused ourselves in sauntering 
down to the swamp back of our quarters, among snakes, 
land crabs, lizards, mosquitoes and bugs of all kinds and 
descriptions, but it was a delightful contrast to the con- 
finement of the transport. Captain Ward came down 
from New Orleans with camp equipage and gladdened 
our hearts with a mail from friends at home. 

February 16. Captain Duncan has gone to the hospital 
with varioloid. 

February 18. A cloud is cast over us to-day by the 
death of Moses F. Eaton of Company D, who died in the 
hospital after an illness of seven days, and yet he was 
supposed to be the heartiest man in the company. The 
three companies followed his body to the grave, the fife 
major playing a funeral dirge, but after the burial the 
men marched back to the tune of 'Yankee Doodle,' for 
such is the military regulation, perhaps on the whole a 
wise one, although it seems almost heartless. But then 
it is necessary not to allow the men to become morbid 
and despondent, and so the sad reflections attending 
death must be supplanted by the buoyant exhilaration 
of life. 

February 22. Sabbath morning, and the boys are busy 
scouring muskets for inspection. 

February 23. The yellow flag has been hauled down 
from the Montebello, so she is now out of quarantine. 

February 26. One of Company B's men died last night 
at the hospital. The drum and fife played a funeral dirge, 
and Captain Duncan made a prayer. We returned to 



40 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

the tune of the 'White Cockade.' Disease is our most 
deadly enemy. 

February 28. The Montebello has sailed on her return 
voyage for New York. 

March 13. After a weary and monotonous confinement 
at quarantine we are gladdened by the news that a con- 
valescent camp is to be established for us on the other 
side of the river, and that we are to be transported on 
the steamer Kepper, which has just arrived. Clothing 
was issued, stores put on board, and March 14 the men 
were taken across, and after repeated and unsuccessful 
attempts to land, finally succeeded in getting ashore with 
men and supplies. 

March 15. Our new quarters are named Camp Dudley, 
and once more we enjoy the luxury of living in tents. 
A high levee extends in front of the camp, and in the 
vicinity are many fine trees festooned with hanging moss, 
and orange groves, the trees full of fruit as those of an 
apple orchard in New England. Provisions are generally 
high, but ripe luscious oranges may be had for the taking, 
and large oysters may be bought for twenty-five cents a 
bushel in the shell. Three or four of Company B took a 
stroll of a mile or more to a plantation, and found the na- 
tives who had taken possession of the hall of the residence 
enjoying a fandango dance with little black pickaninnies 
scattered about, covered with only enough cotton to just 
clear the law, and yet there were never happier little 
imps of darkness than they. 

March 16. Quite an excitement in camp, some colored 
men reporting that the scouts were driving in the blacks. 
Ten rounds of ammunition were given to each man, and 
provost and picket guards thrown out. Captain Duncan 
finally came up with the men a few miles away, who 
claimed to be acting under orders from General Banks, 
and were picking up negroes for the purpose of returning 
them to loyal masters or putting them to work on Union 
fortifications. There were five of these negro hunters, 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 41 

and they were a hard and suspicious looking crew, astride 
of jaded mustangs as they passed by the camp down the 
river. In an hour or more they returned driving before 
them a tall black man, the handle of a pistol protruding 
from one of their pockets. Altogether they seemed of 
such questionable character that Captain Duncan, who 
commanded the camp,, notified them that he would 
detain the colored man till noon and in the mean time 
telegraph, and if he received a favorable reply they could 
then have him. But they 'stood not upon the order of 
their going' but went 'at once,' hurling curses upon us. 

March 23. Five days' rations have been issued to the 
men, and we are expecting to leave for Baton Rouge to 
join the regiment as soon as a steamer can be provided. 

March 25. A man from Company B died to-day. A 
large number are on the sick list, so many that some 
days there are hardly ten files on dress parade. About 
noon a ragged diminutive darky came into camp lead- 
ing a sorry-looking animal saddled and bridled, with a 
note announcing that the horse was to be delivered to 
the sergeant major, one of the jokes which helped to 
enliven the tedium of camp. 

March 29. A terrible shower with thunder and light- 
ning. It is reported that Colonel Locke will be here 
to-night with a steamer to take us up the river. During 
the evening the levee in front of our camp appeared to 
be giving way, and thirty men were turned out and kept 
at work during the night cutting trees, throwing them 
into the crevasse and piling turf and sods to keep the 
water from breaking through. About nine p.m. the 
lieutenant colonel arrived with the Sally Robinson. 

March 30. A detail of men was put on the steamer to 
cross the river and load on the stores left by the Monte- 
hello, and returned about two o'clock to Camp Dudley. 

March 31. After having finished loading the steamer 
we started for New Orleans at ten o'clock a.m. Only a 
few slaves seemed to be at work on the plantations. 



42 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

The sugar cane was just starting up, and they were 
chopping it out, as it is called. 

April 1. Arrived at New Orleans about midnight and 
remained till morning, but were not allowed to land. 
After hauling up to the wharf for a few hours we started 
for Baton Rouge. 

April 2. Passed a very cold and uncomfortable night, 
but were charmed with the scenery above New Orleans, 
and came in sight of Baton Rouge about ten o'clock, 
and after a separation of almost three months pitched 
tents again with the rest of the regiment." 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 43 



CHAPTER V 

ACCOUNT OF THE VOYAGE OF COMPANIES A, K AND E FROM 
NEW YORK TO BATON ROUGE AS GIVEN BY COMRADE 
EUSTIS AND SERGEANT NELSON 

RETURNING once more to New York to Companies 
A, K and E, who were separated from the rest of the 
regiment, and embarked on the Jersey Blue, we will 
accompany them during their voyage to Louisiana and 
recount their experience as related by Comrade Eustis 
of Company E, and Sergeant Nelson of Company K. 

"December 10. Companies A, E and K under Cap- 
tain Putnam marched aboard the steamer Jersey Blue, 
hauled into Hudson River at night, and sailed the follow- 
ing afternoon at two o'clock, passing out through the 
Neversink. The next morning was for many of us our 
first sunrise at sea. As we proceeded south the weather 
became warmer, and we spent most of our time on deck 
scanning the Jersey and Delaware coasts, passing the 
shore of North Carolina December 13, reaching Cape 
Hatteras about five p.m., but instead of clearing the 
cape, which was unusually quiet, we passed between the 
rocks with water about eighteen feet deep." 

"December 11. Found us ready, but the craft was 
not. The cooking apparatus was found to be deficient 
and we must wait for the change to be made. Com- 
mander Vanderbilt was on board, and inspected the 
steamer to-day. If he approves we must submit. But 
she seems to be a miserable old hulk, not fit for river 
navigation; narrow, so narrow that the weight of one 
man causes her to list. A small rope running around 
the entire deck is the only safeguard against falling over- 
board: but in our case we are so confined that many of 



44 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

the men are obliged to lie in their bunks through the 
day. At two o'clock the steam is up. The machinery 
begins to work, the bows of the Jersey Blue are turned 
towards the Neversink, and this detachment of the 50th 
is on its way to crush out the Rebellion. New York is 
left with regret. In no northern state could soldiers be 
treated with more consideration than in 'this worst 
governed city of the world.' No advantage has ever 
been taken of a soldier. Passing by Staten Island and 
the forts and Sandy Hook, darkness closing in, the lights 
of Neversink fading from sight, we are fairly out to sea. 

December 12 and 13. Out of sight of land most of the 
time. Passed the lightship off Cape May, the piny woods 
of North Carolina, and Roanoke Island. When near land 
we now and then see a few inhabitants, an old wrecked 
craft high on the beach, and sea fowl floating about. 
The sea is calm like a river, and we slowly creep along, 
passing Hatteras just at sundown, running in so near to 
land that we can almost hear the keeper, but leaving 
him to his lonely banishment we turn into our bunks. 

December 14 and 15. Have passed in sight of the 
blockade squadron off Charleston, and were boarded by 
one of the gunboat officials for examination. 

December 16. This morning found us nearer 'Abra- 
ham's bosom' than most men enjoy. Last night the 
wind sprung up, and the unseaworthiness of the old hulk 
was demonstrated beyond a doubt. The captain and 
crew worked like tigers to keep the steamer afloat. From 
fear of getting too far south the anchor was dropped, and 
we lay and rolled, till safety compelled us to move again. 
With the assistance of a small steam tug we made Port 
Royal and came to anchor surrounded by every imagina- 
ble kind of a craft that sails or steams, both offensive 
and defensive. The forts taken by Dupont are looking 
us right in the face through their big guns. Ever5rthing 
looks strange and new. Palmetto trees loom up with not 
a limb till you reach the top. Hospitals, signal stations 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 46 

and here and there a cotton plantation are in view. 
Steamers from New York with suppUes are constantly 
coming, while others are leaving. Teams drawing timber 
for piers, wood for use and forage for cattle are con- 
stantly coming and going. This point of land is com- 
pletely surrounded by fortifications. 

December 18 and 19. Have very pleasant weather, 
warm days and cold nights. The negroes itinerate around 
with sweet potatoes and oysters to vend. By digging 
down into the sand about six feet, palatable water is 
found. We are being drilled in the duties of the soldier, 
by squad, company and battalion. Our amusements are 
found on the beach, out on the pier, around the sutler's 
tent and in digging sweetbrier for pipes. 'Our house' 
is well supplied with sugar and other things, through 
the politeness of a friend who stands guard by the com- 
missary tent. 

December 20. To-day having obtained a pass, I ac- 
companied my friend Lieutenant Bradstreet up to Beau- 
fort on board the government steamer which runs for 
the special benefit of General Saxton, commander of the 
post. The sail up was most beautiful, running past cot- 
ton plantations within speaking distance of the planters' 
houses. The residences were delightful, surrounded as 
they were with live oak groves, and walks laid out with 
great care and good taste; the negro quarters arrayed in 
order, each cabin like every other; the extensive cotton 
fields extending as far back as the eye could reach. 
Here slavery existed in its original purity. These plan- 
tations are now all worked by Federal authority. The 
city of Beaufort is finely located on the high bank of the 
river, and was formerly a place of aristocratic preten- 
sions, but now the dwellings are used, some for hospitals, 
some for hotels and others are occupied by former slaves. 
The desecration of graveyards by taking the fences, 
except in cases of necessity, is evidence of the demoraliz- 
ing effect of war. The fences are all destroyed and the 



46 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

graves are trodden by careless feet. Lingering around 
the churchyard connected with the old Episcopal church 
and reading the inscriptions, there was one so touching 
(it read, 'To our dear little Maee') that all feeling of 
bitterness for the moment towards our wayward breth- 
ren disappeared. 

December 22 and 23. Another detachment of General 
Banks put into the port in distress to-day. This time it 
was a New York regiment. It is so warm that coats are 
not needed until nightfall, when the air becomes quite 
chilly. After dark, when everything is arranged for the 
night, some of us take the liberty of comforting ourselves 
in the captain's tent, which is made cosy by a little stove 
brought all the way from Boxford. The captain and 
assistant surgeon hold some able discussions on all sub- 
jects that have ever puzzled mankind. The boys off 
duty are cooking by the big fire, while others are brew- 
ing mischief, and woe to him who leaves his dainty bit 
alone, for if he finds it again he will be lucky not to 
find his beans seasoned with bar soap, or some other 
delicious condiment. Some show temper, but the more 
sensible ones take the joke as philosophers and wait and 
watch for an opportunity to pay it back. 

December 24. "Tis the night before Christmas.' 
Some of the Pennsylvania regiments, made up largely of 
Germans, are celebrating the eve in home style. Christ- 
mas trees in full blaze are seen in various directions. 
With visions of Christmas cheer and the din of 'ocean 
rolling heavily' we fall asleep. 

December 25. All drill is omitted and general cele- 
bration indulged in. Some seek reputation by climbing 
the greasy pole, some strive in the hurdle race, while 
others arrange a baseball match. 

December 26 to 30. During these last few days our 
occupation has been drilling in every conceivable man- 
ner which the genius of the captain could invent, and 
sometimes the shoulder straps get into ludicrous scrapes. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 47 

December 31. General inspection of the battalion, and 
in the midst of it orders came for us to strike tents and 
go aboard ship. 

January 1, 1863, found us tied to the pier. Just along- 
side was the steamer Planter, the taking of which by 
Robert Small and colored sailors from their white mas- 
ters some months ago caused so much excitement. 
[This was the same Robert Small who afterwards became 
a distinguished representative in Congress from South 
Carolina.] The pier was covered with blacks taking 
passage on steamer for Beaufort, going up to hear the 
proclamation of their freedom read. Later in the morn- 
ing a steamer came alongside, made fast to the Guerilla 
and towed us out of the harbor, and soon we caught the 
breeze, the lines were cast loose, the sails filled and our 
good ship bore away on her course. The Guerilla, a 
stout craft, is well officered and manned, the officers, 
Captain Pierce and Mr. Smith, wearing the United States 
uniform. She was formerly the Mary J. Kimball, a 
slaver captured with slaves aboard just prior to the 
Rebellion. There being a number in the detachment who 
have been before the mast in days gone by, all such are 
invited to help work the ship, and mess with the sailors 
in the forecastle. A number responded and the ship's 
crew is a strong one. 

January 2 to 7. The days are rather monotonous. 
After passing the Gulf Stream the atmosphere is very 
balmy, but head winds delay our progress. The boys 
while away the time watching the dolphins play, whit- 
tling and reading. By an oversight in putting in the 
water supply, the men are put on an allowance the third 
day out, and we are provided with condensed water 
(the boys call it condemned) from the ocean. After 
tattoo all must go below except the guards. The cook's 
fires are kept burning through the night to furnish food 
for the men. 

January 8 found us off the island of Abaco, where we 



48 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

saw the famous 'Hole in the Wall,' an arch through a 
huge rock. An English steamer which was supposed to 
be a blockade runner was just getting up steam and 
moving away as we hove in sight. Very soon a little 
puff of steam rose above the point of the island, and 
immediately a United States gunboat, the Octorora, shot 
out around the corner and followed the departing steamer, 
throwing a shot across her bows which brought her to. 
Her papers were examined, and everything proving correct 
she was allowed to proceed. It was next our turn, and 
we were subjected to the same treatment. An officer 
came aboard, examined our credentials and communicated 
the pleasant information that the rebel Alabama was afloat, 
and a few days before she had captured the steamer Ariel, 
We are sailing over the Bahama banks and many islands 
on our left with their perpetual green present a most 
inviting picture. 

Saturday, January 9. About midnight passed Double 
Head, Shot Key Light. 

January 10. Sergt. George H. Green of Company E died, 
and the poor fellow was brought on deck to breathe his 
last as we were about opposite the light, and it cast a 
sad gloom over all. After the usual routine of the morn- 
ing duties, the body was prepared for burial. In our 
ship's crew there were a number who had served in the 
navy, and the ceremonies were conducted as on a man- 
of-war. The vessel was hove to and the services read 
by Captain Barnes. 

January 11. Passed in sight of Key West, Fort Jeffer- 
son and the Dry Tortugas. 

January 14. This evening off Ship Island with March 
winds and a thick fog, through which could be dimly 
seen lights and outlines of land. 

January 15. The morning looks wild and we came 
very near drifting on to Cat Island, but by good seaman- 
ship succeeded in beating round under the lee of Ship 
Island, where we dropped anchor, thankful that the end 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 49 

of our voyage was nearly reached, in spite of the cupidity 
and imbecility of man. As one looks at Ship Island 
through the glass there is little romance about it, two or 
three miles in length and scarcely half a mile in width, 
destitute of foliage except a few sickly looking trees, and 
the sand blowing about furiously. A strong land and 
naval force is kept here to protect the mouth of the 
river, and it is a rendezvous for the blockade squadron in 
the gulf. 

January 16. About noon orders arrived to sail for 
New Orleans. The wind has lulled, and as evening closes 
in a stiff breeze bears us towards the mouth of the river, 
and the waters sparkle like diamonds with phosphorescent 
lights. 

January 17. About ten this morning signs of the 
Father of Waters began to appear, for the muddy color 
of the Mississippi extends thirty miles out into the gulf. 
Soon sails were observed and the outlines of a large 
steamer lying in the pass where we propose to enter. 
Presently a pilot came aboard, took charge of the ship 
and our gallant bark cut the waters of the Mississippi, 
The wind being propitious, we could stem the current, 
passed Pilot Town, a curious collection of dilapidated 
houses inhabited by the river pilots. 

Sunday, January 18. A steam tug is coming up 
through one of the passes to tow us to New Orleans. 
The smoke of her flues is seen as she creeps along the 
winding way. She soon comes up bearing the name of 
Anglo America, and on either side of her is fastened a 
large ship, the Pocahontas and Aquilla. The powerful 
tug looks like a pre-Adamite monster puffing out great 
volumes of smoke. Slowly up the stream we move, the 
low banks of which rise just above the water, the drift 
of the mighty river accumulating on either side piles of 
stumps and trees lying about in wild confusion. The 
turkey buzzard reigns, a 'monarch of all he surveys.' 
Occasionally a forlorn-looking hut is seen, but no sign 



50 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

of man. Telegraph wires are broken, and the poles 
running away. Towards night we come in sight of the 
forts taken by Farragut. Scattered along the banks 
of the river for many a mile tokens of that deadly fight 
are seen. The standard sheet floats from the flagstaff. 
Each saluting the other, we glide by and soon arrive at 
quarantine ground. Here we are to stop and are boarded 
by officers who inquire after our health. The surgeon, on 
his most solemn oath, declared that no disease except 
kleptomania exists on board, and we are allowed to pro- 
ceed Night's sable curtain dropped upon the scene 
about this time, and on Monday, the 19th, in the rain and 
fog we look out on a new creation: sugar plantations with 
their everlasting surroundings; cornfields extending from 
the river far back for miles, with a few live oaks scattered 
over the vast expanse, with trailing moss waving like a 
funeral pall from the branches. Now we are opposite 
the battle ground where behind cotton bales our side 
beat back the British; and at the next bend in the river 
the city comes in sight. Among the flags of all nations 
we come up to the landing. Before we are fairly fastened, 
the ship's side swarms with orange peddlers anxious to 
exchange their commodities for cash. Our finances are 
very low, but they show a willingness to take anything 
but silver, of which they are suspicious. Old postage 
stamps and Confederate money made in New York are 
cheerfully taken, then pocket handkerchiefs, and when 
these run low, books from the Christian Commission are 
bartered away. After a sea voyage the physical demands 
require more food than the moral faculties. It is an 
inopportune time to talk culture to a man who has 
starved on hard-tack for a week. Later in the day, m 
company with Captain Barnes, I looked over the city. 
The provost guard are very strict, and a private, going 
out alone to spend the evening, may find it necessary 
to stop over night. Alongside of us are gunboats and 
mortar boats, nine steamers of magnificent proportions, 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 51 

and around us on either side of the river are city in- 
stitutions, public buildings and the nunnery. 

January 20. On this neglected spot the price current 
of sugar and molasses was regulated only a very few 
years ago, but now utter ruin and neglect mark every- 
thing. Soon after noon we were taken in tow and pulled 
up to Carrollton, where we made our final debarkation. 
This pleasant place proves to be a suburb of New Orleans, 
it being the terminus of the celebrated 'Shell Road.' 
There is also a railroad connecting it with the city. 
The principal business of the inhabitants seems to be 
keeping liquor saloons, though a little brickmaking is 
carried on. At this place our entire cargo was unloaded, 
tents, trunks, arms and ammunition. Forming in line 
on the levee we march to Camp Parapet. The river is 
about six feet higher than the country on either side. 
After a march of two miles camp was reached, tents 
pitched, and to-night we sleep under canvas. 

January 21. The sun never rose on a more beauti- 
ful scene than this. The trees are dressed in living green, 
and on every branch sits and warbles the mocking-bird 
and oriole, one imitating every bird that flies, and the 
other singing her sweetest notes. The river sluggishly 
flows past our camp, separated from us by nothing but 
a bank of earth. Around us are beautiful dwellings with 
grounds attached laid out with elegance, and planted 
with shrubs and flowers of every hue and variety peculiar 
to tropical regions. The fortunes of war have driven 
the former inhabitants away, and their homes are now 
taken for hospitals for the different regiments quartered 
here. Lieutenant Rundlett of Company K, having been 
detached in New York for signal service, sailed in advance 
of the rest of the regiment, and arriving here some time 
ago is now settled in comfortable quarters. Although 
everything in nature is so beautiful to look upon, the 
utter impossibility of draining the land and the conse- 
quent dampness everywhere begin to affect the men, 



52 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

and many are on the sick list. The camp ground was 
formerly a race course, level as a house floor. To take care 
of the surface water, deep ditches have been dug, where 
it stands, stagnates, breeds sickness and causes death. 
February 2. Early this morning it was reported that 
we were to be in readiness to proceed up the river, and 
in that condition we remained part of the day, when 
further orders came that we should stay here a little 
longer, and then were ordered into line for duty, with 
all the regiments in camp, and were reviewed by Gen. 
Neal Dow, a political general from the state of Maine. 

February 3. Eventful day; the paymaster paid us off 
and we are actually rolling in wealth. It is a luxury to 
be rich, and no disgrace to be poor but extremely incon- 
venient There are no poor people in our camp to-night. 
Nothing is talked about but bank stock, dividends and 
bonds. Our very dreams are financial, of future specu- 
lations. . r r^ . ■ 

February 4. It has been the daily practice of Captain 
Barnes to muster the company for morning prayers, but 
upon this occasion Captain Putnam came upon the 
ground and gave orders to immediately strike tents 
pack everything and get into line, our faces turned 
towards CarroUton. As usual after all this commotion 
the teams did not arrive for several hours, but before 
night everything was down by the river bank alongside 
of the steamer Continental. About the time we com- 
menced putting the cargo aboard a thunder shower came 
up, and the forked lightning, the thunder and torrents 
of rain drove the men into the neighboring saloons till 
the shower held up. Some time in the night steam was 
gotten up, and when the next morning broke on our 
vision we were steaming up the Mississippi. It was so 
cold this morning that ice formed on deck. The trip 
to-day has been very dull, but one village (Donaldson) 
has been passed. A few plantations were scattered along 
the river, and that describes the day's voyage. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 53 

February 6. Upon waking this morning we found our- 
selves fastened to the old steamer Natchez before the city 
of Baton Rouge. Here is the first high land seen in 
Louisiana. Very soon the 50th band appeared, and in 
a short space of time we were marching up to our camp 
ground to the tune of 'The Mocking-bird.'" 



54 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 



CHAPTER VI 

ORGANIZATION OF THE 19TH ARMY CORPS UNDER GENERAL 
BANKS — CAMP LIFE AT BATON ROUGE 

COMPANY I, having been the first one of the regi- 
ment to reach Baton Rouge, on December 16, was 
followed by Companies A, E and K on February 6; 
by C, G and H on February 15; and by B, D and F on 
April 2. The experience of each detachment, except 
Company I, from the separation in New York, having 
been given in the diary of one or more of its members, 
the history of the regiment may now be resumed from its 
arrival and reunion at Baton Rouge, which was the base 
of operations where troops were concentrated and drilled, 
preparatory to the reduction of Port Hudson. 

General Banks had reached New Orleans, Dec. 14, 1862, 
sent down to succeed General Butler and open the Mis- 
sissippi River in co-operation with McClernand's forces 
from Cairo above; and on the 15th he assumed com- 
mand of the department. His forces constituted the 
19th Army Corps, made up mostly of the expedition 
which accompanied and followed him in transports from 
New York. After making provision for the garrisoning 
of New Orleans, and securing adequate means for its 
defence. Banks organized his available troops for opera- 
tion in the field into four divisions; the first commanded 
by Brig.-Gen. Cuvier Grover, the second by Brig.-Gen. 
W. H. Emory, the third by Major-Gen. C. C. Augur, and 
the fourth by Brig.-Gen. Thomas W. Sherman. Each 
division consisted of three brigades with three field 
batteries. There were also two battalions and six troops 
of cavalry, numbering about seven hundred effective 
men. There was also one regiment of heavy artillery 




OLIVER A. ROBERTS DAVID M. KELLEY 

Sergt Major, 50th Mass. Quartermaster Sergt. 

NATHANIEL W. FRENCH 50th Mass. 
Asst. Surgeon, 50th Mass. 

DR. JOHN HANCOCK LEONARD RAND 

Asst. Surgeon, .iOth Mass. Com. Sergt. 50th Mass. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 55 

(the 1st Indiana) to man the siege train, the entire force 
making up an army of about twenty-five thousand men, 
but of these only one-third were veterans, and of the new 
troops a large proportion were nine-months men, whose 
active service in presence of the enemy must necessarily 
be rather brief. 

The commander of the department, Gen. Nathaniel P. 
Banks, had neither had the experience nor education 
which would naturally fit him to conduct great military 
operations. He had been an eminent politician, a member 
of Congress, a successful speaker of the National House 
of Representatives, and an illustrious governor of Massa- 
chusetts, just prior to the war. While occupying the 
latter position he took great interest in military affairs, 
as was shown at the state muster at Concord under his 
administration, in 1859. With a very considerable 
personal magnetism, a fine carriage, large political ex- 
perience, and natural ability, he rose from an humble 
origin to a position of influence and power in the state 
and nation, and so, probably from motives of policy, for 
the purpose of securing confidence and influence among 
the people of the North, President Lincoln early in his 
administration appointed Governor Banks, as he was 
then called, with several other citizens, major generals 
in the Union Army. Most of them proved to be brave, 
patriotic, and in a measure successful commanders, but 
no one of them will hardly rank in history as a great 
general. Poeta nascitur, non fit (the poet is born, not 
made), maj'' be true in literature, but it hardly applies in 
the case of great soldiers, as was demonstrated in our 
Civil War. Military education or experience, or both, 
seem to be requisite for the man who would aspire to 
stand in the front rank among those who command great 
armies and conduct extensive campaigns. Almost all 
of the great leaders in the late war had a military educa- 
tion at West Point behind them. Banks proved no 
exception to the rule, and while he was personally brave. 



56 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

conducted a reasonably successful campaign, and ac- 
complished in the end perhaps all that could have fairly- 
been expected of him, still the operations were so con- 
ducted as to exhibit no indication of brilliancy or genius. 
There was a scarcity of cavalry, the means of transporta- 
tion were deficient, and the commissary supplies utterly 
inadequate to properly support the army, and the country 
itself could furnish but little to make up the deficiency. 
Of these things Banks seems to have had little information 
before he arrived. Again it is said he had not been in- 
formed before reaching New Orleans that there was any 
fortified place on the river below Vicksburg, and yet 
Port Hudson, 135 miles above New Orleans, had been 
entrenched and garrisoned with a force of 12,000 men, 
which was at one time increased to 16,000. Such were 
the obstacles that confronted him and such the difficulties 
to be overcome. 

An interesting scene was that presented at Baton Rouge 
in February, 1863. It had been the capital of Louisiana, 
situated on the east bank of the river one hundred and 
twenty-nine miles above New Orleans, containing, 
besides the State House and Penitentiary, a Deaf and 
Dumb Asylum, a College or Military Institute and the 
United States Arsenal. Standing on a bluff twenty-five 
feet above the river at its highest inundation, with a 
population of perhaps five or six thousand people, it was 
rather an interesting and typical southern city. It 
contained but few pretentious residences, but the dwell- 
ings generally presented an inviting and homelike ap- 
pearance, suggestive of comfort and refinement. One 
of the most attractive features of the town was the large 
number of shade trees, many of them festooned with 
moss, which beautified the streets and surrounded the 
homes. One could imagine what an easy-going life the 
inhabitants lived in the good old times, before its streets 
were desecrated by an invading army. There was a 
restfulness which must have pervaded the entire place. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 57 

No one of the natives ever seemed to be in a hurry. 
The nervous energy and thrift characteristic of New 
England life would have seemed out of place by a people 
lulled to rest by the seductive languor of this semi-tropical 
climate, and breathing in the sweet-scented atmosphere 
laden with the perfume of roses and magnolias. Flowers 
and shrubs and gardens added an almost indescribable 
charm to many a home otherwise commonplace and 
uninteresting. The town had about it an air of age, 
almost of decrepitude. Even the stores and warehouses 
down by the river seemed to be on the downhill of life. 

At the time of our occupancy the able-bodied men 
were very generally away, probably in the Confederate 
Army, and the population consisted mostly of women, 
children and negroes. The reticent and distant bearing 
of the whites, especially among the ladies, was in striking 
contrast to the exuberant and joyous welcome of the 
blacks. For a few months at least the drowsy old town 
was awakened to life by the tramp of northern soldiers 
and the panoply of war, occupied by an army of between 
twenty and thirty thousand men. Transports were 
constantly arriving and departing from the landing, and 
Farragut's fleet, either at anchor or passing up toward 
Port Hudson, always excited the liveliest interest. For 
three months the regiment remained here most of the 
time, at first with the other troops, and later as a part 
of the town's garrison, while Banks made his campaign 
through the Teche country with the bulk of the army. 

As memory goes back to those far-off days and recalls 
the life passed in the tented camp near the Penitentiary 
and on the hill by the tannery during so many weeks, the 
rigid and monotonous duties of the day from reveille at 
5.50 A.M. to taps at 9 p.m., the interesting and sometimes 
exciting adventures on picket, the Sunday-morning in- 
spection under the searching eye of General Dudley, a 
picture on the whole rather pleasant to dwell upon is 
unrolled before us with ever-varying tints of sunshine 



58 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

and shadow. The unseemly things, the disagreeable 
features of our experience, the severe and sometimes 
bitter hardships have almost passed into oblivion, and 
what was pleasant and delightful, like the virtues of one 
we have loved and lost, remains. It is a beautiful tend- 
ency of human nature to idealize the past, whether it 
is the memory of a friend or the experience of life. 

Perhaps a few pages devoted to Baton Rouge will 
afford some pleasant retrospection so far as we shall be 
able to recall the past and live over again the days of 
youth. Who will ever forget the march from the steamer 
up to the camp ground? After guns were stacked and 
knapsacks and equipments thrown off, what an inroad 
was made by the boys upon the Penitentiary for boards 
with which to lay tent floors, and with what satisfaction 
the first night they turned into their new quarters! 
After the long and tedious confinement between decks 
it was an agreeable and refreshing change. 

The first call was at 5.50 and the second at 6 a.m., 
followed by roll call, police of quarters at 6.15, breakfast 
at 6.40, surgeon's call at 7, squad drill from 7.30 to 8.30, 
guard mounting at 9, company drill from 10 to 11.30, 
recall at 11.33, dinner at 12, battalion from 2.30 to 4.30 
P.M., recall at 4.33, dress parade at 4.45, tattoo at 8 and 
taps at 9. 

Our acting Brig.-Gen. Nathan A. M. Dudley was a 
Regular Army officer, and colonel of the 30th Mass. In- 
fantry, a native of Massachusetts and every inch a soldier. 
Although a rigid disciplinarian, and strict in requiring 
the performance of every duty, he possessed a warm and 
tender heart that at once commanded the confidence 
and respect of the men, which ripened into a strong 
attachment that has lasted and strengthened during 
forty years. At the annual reunions of the regiment 
the old general is the central figure, for whom the boys 
of '63, gray and white-haired veterans now, entertain the 
warmest affection. How vividly one recalls that erect 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 59 

figure sitting like a statue on his black horse, with crisp 
moustache and snapping eyes, man and beast forming a 
single personality, one apparently the complement of the 
other! 

The brigade consisted of the 30th and 50th Massachu- 
setts, the 2d Louisiana and the 161st and 174th New 
York, with Nims's Battery, and was known as the 3d 
Brigade of the 1st Division. Close by, the trees were 
scarred and seamed by the tracks of shells and balls, 
reminiscent of the severe battle that occurred here in 
August, 1862. "They will tell you where Nims's Battery 
was planted and dealt out death with terrible slaughter. 
Under that tree General Williams was shot dead while 
directing his troops. In that thicket of trees the enemy's 
sharpshooters were stationed, and the heaving turf seen 
all around us shows too plainly the terrible effect of their 
deadly aim." A soldier's life at Baton Rouge was no 
holiday. It was one continuous round from sunrise to 
sunset, with some hours interspersed for rest and recrea- 
tion, and then occasionally, with passes in our pockets, 
we were allowed to roam about the streets and down to 
the river, but taken all in all the most agreeable duty 
was that on the outer reserve or picket guard. The 
detail, made up about nine a.m., took with them one 
day's rations and blankets, and marched out about two 
miles to relieve the guard of the day before, remaining 
in turn for twenty-four hours, each man being two hours 
on duty and four hours off. 

Beyond the lines of the picket guard no one was al- 
lowed to go without a pass signed by the provost marshal. 
When the weather was pleasant, to go out on picket duty 
seemed a good deal like going to a picnic, the boys fry- 
ing their rations of pork and potatoes, if they were so 
fortunate as to have any, and making coffee about an 
open fire, and then the enjoyment was made a little 
keener by occasional glimpses of a rebel vidette making 
his appearance beyond the lines, and sometimes the 



60 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

enemy would make a dash in force from Clinton, where 
they were stationed a few miles away. How vividly 
comes back the recollection of one night when a squad 
was sent out and lay in ambush behind a hedge, in 
anticipation of a flying visit from our Confederate friends, 
who had made themselves obnoxiously familiar the night 
before, and how we lay there in silence till break of day 
with loaded muskets, ready and anxious to hear the 
hoof-beats of their horses, and greet them with a warm 
reception; but the night wore away, no rebels appeared, 
and the men were compelled to march back in the morn- 
ing to the post without having won any especial glory. 

Occasionally some members of the picket, when off 
duty, would make a break through the lines to visit a 
sugar house in quest of sugar and molasses. One such 
there was on a fine old plantation with a noble mansion, 
extensive outbuildings, and finely kept gardens, or rather 
such they had been a few months before, but presto, 
what a change! the family was gone, the buildings de- 
serted, the rich and heavy furniture demolished, and 
everything giving evidence of vandalism and ruthless 
war. Here had been a home of elegance and luxury; 
now the inmates were refugees, the negro cabins were 
tenantless, the great sugar house, rich with the product 
of the surrounding cane fields, abandoned, and the lordly 
domain given over to ruin and destruction. 

Two of the vandals, comrades, boys who had stolen 
out of that same sugar house laden with booty in 1863, 
and back to the Federal post, returned nearly thirty years 
after, and remembering this fine old place, after making 
diligent inquiry, galloped across great stretches of uncul- 
tivated fields, tied their horses' reins to a rail fence, and 
visited once more the scene of their former experience. 
Approaching through an avenue of noble oaks and look- 
ing about for some familiar objects, they were all gone. 
The remnants of a garden, a single chimney standing 
solitary and alone, and one wing of the house occupied 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 61 

by a family of poor whites, were the only decaying monu- 
ments or rather tombstones to mark the sight of former 
opulence. One other landmark remained, and that was 
the family burying ground, a few rods away, where 
rested the ashes of those who once lived here, under 
headstones neglected, and concealed in a rank and bushy 
undergrowth. 

As the two comrades mounted their horses and rode 
away, they carried a heavier load than thirty years be- 
fore; this time it was "food for reflection." "This world 
is all a fleeting show." 

During February and March the weather was fickle as 
a young coquette, the warm sunshine mellowing the 
ground and tickling the earth so that fresh vegetation 
was leaping up as if by magic; the trees were all in 
bloom; the young fruit bursting out on every limb, and 
the air sweet with the perfume of flowers; but the beauti- 
ful spring weather was purchased at the price of down- 
pours of rain, which used to come at irregular intervals 
with spasmodic violence, drenching the men and flood- 
ing the camp. Nature did not often furnish what 
the good parson prayed for, "an old-fashioned drizzle 
drozzle." The level ground near the Penitentiary be- 
came so wet and muddy that on the 18th day of Febru- 
ary General Dudley gave orders that we should move 
our camp, and so "to-day we again fold our tents and 
silently steal away to the best camp ground since leav- 
ing Boston." It has a gentle southern slope covered 
with green grass. 

As stringent orders had been issued regarding the 
destruction of buildings, it was necessary to move with 
great caution. Near our camp there was a roof remain- 
ing of what was once a substantial building, and it was 
proposed to appropriate it for a cook house. Colonel 
Messer was interviewed, who expressed the opinion that 
it was best to take help enough and move it without ask- 
ing any questions, and so, in a few hours, the whole 



62 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

establishment was removed to one of the company's 
streets, ready for raising. Not long after General Dudley 
rode through the camp, and noticing the great pile of 
lumber, drew rein and said, "Boys, I have no objection 
to your taking moderate sized dwelUng houses if neces- 
sary for your comfort and health, but when you come 
to take hotels it won't be tolerated," and with a look 
which meant yes, he rode away. Near by was a large 
tannery with all modern inventions, which was utilized 
as a slaughterhouse. *"In close proximity to our camp 
there lived an elderly lady, who before the war was the 
possessor of goods and estates to a respectable amount, 
and with the labor of her slaves and with the product of 
a numerous herd of cows lived peaceful and happy; but 
in an evil day liberty was proclaimed to these colored 
chattels, and so they left the venerable dame, but to keep 
fresh and green in memory the happy days of childhood 
each of them took a cow, not so much perhaps for its 
intrinsic value, as to remind them that they and the old 
lady once carried on the plantation together. To-day 
her stock is reduced to two old brindles, and from them, 
with a never-failing well of water, she manages to pick a 
living from our soldiers. She is a good specimen of 
a spirited southern woman. Language doesn't fail her 
when the wrongs inflicted upon her are mentioned, and 
from her standpoint who would blame her? Property 
wasted or destroyed, family scattered, her boys in the 
army, and she in this garrison city with no chance to 
hear from them. By changing the theme and praising 
her garden, a pleasanter picture was presented. There 
were the rarest flowers, of every color and shade, many 
of them curiosities of nature. It seemed as if the collec- 
tion embraced, in point of beauty and rarity, a greater 
variety than the whole flora of Massachusetts." 

The 22d having fallen on Sunday, Washington's Birth- 
day was observed on Monday, and given up to sports 

♦ From the diary of Sergeant Nelson. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 63 

and recreation. There were a greased pole and pig, sack 
races, foot races, boxing and wrestling matches and prize 
drilling, stimulated by a liberal amount of prizes. 

February 24. After yesterday's celebration the com- 
panies of the regiment turned out to brigade drill with 
thinned ranks, which aroused the general's ire. Riding 
down the line and expressing his opinion of shirks and 
skulkers with a crisp and laconic force, a detail was 
despatched to the company quarters to gather up all 
stragglers who had not been excused from duty, and the 
way in which the squad was drilled for the next two 
hours afforded great amusement to the boys who looked 
on. "It is rather a pleasant diversion to see one sit 
down on the ice or chase his hat in a high wind, so long 
as one's head and heels don't exchange places, or so 
long as one's hat remains a fixture, and some of us felt like 
good little boys who always come home with clean faces 
and clothes, as the men after their drill were marched 
up to brigade headquarters to receive from the command- 
ing officer a parting admonition in choice Anglo-Saxon." 

Sunday, March 1. *"The march to-day led us past 
the Mount Auburn of Baton Rouge. The brigade made 
a long halt here, and an hour was spent among the silent 
majority. Certainly the people of Baton Rouge show 
a great deal of refinement and culture in the erection of 
monuments of the most beautiful designs to the memory 
of their dead. But this sacred spot escaped not the 
ravages of war, for here was the last ditch of the Con- 
federates in the battle a few months ago. The fence is 
completely riddled with musket balls, and many of the 
tombstones are marked and scarred by bullets, and from 
the trees many a flattened minie ball is cut to keep as 
a memento of the place and the occasion. The whole 
scene was strangely beautifal. The entire brigade was 
at rest; the guns stacked by the roadside; field and staff 
officers dismounted; the steeds either tied to the trees or 

* From the diary of Sergeant Nelson. 



64 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

quietly moved about by orderlies; while scattered around 
in all directions, singly or in groups, were the men, admir- 
ing the beauty of the scene and surroundings. The 
marvelous great trees, the arms and equipments glistening 
in the bright sunshine, the music of bands and birds, and 
the excitement attending the whole, made a picture 
impossible to describe." 

The 4th Massachusetts Battery with other troops 
arrived to-day from New Orleans. 

Monday, March 2. The indications point toward a for- 
ward movement. After being out on squad and com- 
pany drills this forenoon, orders were issued about noon 
to pack knapsacks, and everything except overcoats and 
blankets to be stored, and to be in readiness to march 
at any moment. An interesting rumor circulates about 
the camp that eight thousand rebels are throwing up 
entrenchments a few miles beyond our line. During this 
time the men were being brought up to the highest pos- 
sible state of efficiency by constant and arduous drills, 
those of the brigade occurring usually in the afternoon, 
the weather during the day being frequently oppressively 
hot, though the nights and mornings were often quite 
cool. Blank cartridges were issued, and the troops prac- 
tised firing in preparation for and anticipation of real 
battle. On one of these occasions, at the discharge of the 
first volley, it was very ludicrous to witness the flight of 
the darkies as they scurried away in precipitate flight. 

March 3. General Augur drilled the brigade for two 
hours. He is a fine-looking officer and commands the 
confidence of the men. Nowithstanding the rigid dis- 
cipline and severity of the drills, the hours off duty were 
many of them given up to rollicking fun, as, for instance, 
when the band one evening serenaded Major Hodges, and 
the boys assembled in front of his tent giving themselves 
up to dancing and singing. 

March 7. This forenoon the 49th Massachusetts Regi- 
ment went out on a foraging expedition, followed by a 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 65 

long train of wagons and mule teams driven by negroes 
and accompanied by two fieldpieces and a squad of 
cavalry. * "During the week past expectation has been 
wrought up to the highest pitch. The city is filling up 
with soldiers. Regiment after regiment come from below 
by steamer, stay a day or two, then move on and others 
come to take their places. Steamers pass by loaded to 
their utmost with soldiers and munitions of war. They 
go up a few miles and camp, waiting for a general move- 
ment. Port Hudson is the objective point, and around 
that spot all our hopes and fears center. . . . The 
season is forward, cane and corn are in condition to weed. 
Peach trees and the ivy and myrtle are in bloom. Pome- 
granates begin to fruit, and the first crop of vegetables 
is in the market." 

Sunday, March 8. General Banks with his staff 
arrived to-night. 

Tuesday, March 10. At five a.m. we were ordered to 
fall in, supposing an advance was to be made on Port 
Hudson. Three days' rations were issued and in heavy 
marching order the line was taken to the parade grounds, 
where the brigade was reviewed by General Dudley, 
after which the regiment returned to camp with orders, 
however, to be in readiness to move at any moment. 
The presence of the commanding general and the unusual 
activity that prevails in every direction point to an im- 
portant movement in the immediate future. 

March 11 to 13. Such a military display was made 
during these days as most of us had not witnessed. 
Cavalry, artillery and infantry were all on parade. The 
streets were packed with marching columns, martial 
strains filled the air, and the troops passed in review 
before General Banks. The long and serried columns, 
with burnished arms and flags unfurled stretching 
away in the distance, presented a grand and imposing 
sight. 

* From the diary of Sergeant Nelson. 



66 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 



CHAPTER VII 

FEINT ON PORT HUDSON — MARCH OF THE TROOPS — AD- 
MIRAL FARRAGUT MAKES A NAVAL ATTACK AND 
PASSES UP THE RIVER — DESTRUCTION OF THE MISSIS- 
SIPPI — RETURN OF THE ARMY TO BATON ROUGE 

THE 13th of March was a day of thrilUng interest. 
Admiral Farragut's fleet of mortar and gun boats 
with the famous ironclad Essex were steaming 
up the river. The troops were mustering from every 
direction, and towards evening General Grover's division 
started up the river towards Port Hudson, followed a 
few hours later by General Emory's division. It was a 
glorious and exciting spectacle to the boys of the 50th 
still left on the camp ground, as for hours they listened 
to the steady tramp of marching columns, watching 
regiment after regiment as they advanced, now a squad 
of cavalry, next a battery of artillery and then a brigade 
of infantry, their measured step lightened by the strains of 
martial music. Every nerve tingled with suppressed 
excitement. The forward movement, so long expected, 
was hailed with eager anticipation. General Augur's 
division was the last to move. 

Saturday, J\Iarch 14. The long roll beat for the regi- 
ment to fall in at three a.m., and a little later the brigade 
was in line, but the division did not get under way till 
after five. The road led by Bayou Monticeno through 
a dense forest, the great oaks festooned with a drapery 
of waving moss. Here and there we passed an occasional 
opening and small plantation. The men were in fine 
spirits as they moved out of the city, giving expression 
to their enthusiasm in hearty cheers and songs. As far 
as the eye could reach in either direction there seemed 




GEORGE D. PUTNAM JOHN LANGDON WARD 

Capt. Co. A, .50th Mass. - Capt. Co. B, 50th Mass. 

DARIUS N. STEVENS 

Capt. Co. C, 50th Mass. 

JOSIAH W. COBURN SAM'L F. LITTLEFIELD 

Capt. Co. D, 50th Mass. Capt. Co. E. 50th Mass. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 67 

to be a never-ending line of moving troops. Generals 
with brilliant staffs rode galloping by to join their respec- 
tive commands, and during the forenoon the commander- 
in-chief, finely mounted, passed towards the front greeted 
with continual cheers. General Banks certainly at that 
stage of the campaign was very popular with the men. 
As the day progressed the heat grew more oppressive, 
and stragglers began to fall out; among them at an un- 
lucky moment was the worthy color-bearer with the 
regimental colors. The doughty sergeant, resting on a 
rail, wiping away the oozing perspiration with one hand, 
and clinging to the staff with the other, had not probably 
anticipated that by the law of chances General Dudley 
would appear upon the scene just then, but so it chanced, 
and the interview between the general and the sergeant 
was not altogether satisfactory to one of them at least, 
as the other very considerately bore away the flag and 
presented it to Colonel Messer with a speech appropriate 
to the occasion. 

At Bayou Monticeno a pontoon had been thrown 
across, over which the troops passed, continuing on until 
about two o'clock in the afternoon, when the regiment 
halted in a large cotton field near the edge of a wood, 
after a march of ten miles from Baton Rouge. Guns 
were stacked, fires built, coffee prepared, and it was sup- 
posed we were to make a halt here and spend the night. 
Near by were negro cabins to which some of the boys 
resorted for a repast of ham, eggs and hoecake, a more 
sumptuous feast than that furnished by the contents of 
haversacks, with which most of the men were forced to 
be content, although numerous requisitions of chickens, 
eggs, milk and beef were made upon the plantation. 

After the severe march of the day the men were glad 
to spread their blankets and make for themselves tem- 
porary quarters for the night behind a rail fence, and they 
were just about falling to sleep when the adjutant ap- 
peared with orders directing Companies C, I and K to 



68 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

fall in and march to the headquarters of General Banks, 
four or five miles away. Pulling together our weary 
limbs, rolling up blankets, and once more shouldering 
knapsacks and muskets were not welcomed with great 
enthusiasm, but there was no help for it. The direction 
came not as a request, but was issued as a command and 
must be obeyed. Still there was always a sort of fas- 
cination about such duty. There was just enough un- 
certainty to keep the imagination active, and a kind of 
somber weirdness which operated both as a physical and 
mental tonic. 

It was ten o'clock when the three companies turned 
from the main road up an avenue leading to the planta- 
tion where the headquarters were located, and met Gen- 
eral Banks riding out with his staff. Arrived at the place 
of destination, a detail was told off for guard duty, guns 
were stacked, and the men rolled up in their blankets 
for a little rest, but that was not a night for sound 
sleep. 

We were only a few miles from Port Hudson, and the 
boom of heavy guns in that direction made it evident 
that the Federal artillery was bombarding the rebel 
works. Farragut was forcing the passage of their bat- 
teries. A continuous cannonade reverberated up and 
down the river. Mortar shells screaming through the 
air and descending into the Confederate fortifications 
were doing their deadly work, and the enemy's batteries 
were belching forth shot and shell in their supreme effort 
to sink the Federal fleet. "A large fire was seen on the 
Port Hudson side of the river, in front of the fortifica- 
tions. Suddenly a rocket ascended into the air from the 
west bank and exploded. The alarm was given and a 
shot from the rebel works was answered by a broadside 
from the Hartford. Battery after battery answered from 
the hillside. The Hartford pushed ahead, towing the 
Albatross, the Richmond towed the Genesee, the Monon- 
gahela the Kineo. The Mississippi and the Sachevi fol- 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 69 

lowed. The darkness was intense, and the location of 
the enemy's batteries could be told only by the flash 
and the location of the fleet. The whole area of the 
action upon the land and upon the water was soon 
enveloped in a sulphurous canopy of smoke. The vessels 
could no longer discern each other, and it became diffi- 
cult how to steer, as in the gloom the only object at 
which they could aim was the flash of our guns. The 
danger became imminent. This gave the rebels great 
advantage, for with their stationary guns, though they 
fired into the darkness they could hardly fire amiss. 
The Richmond pushed along beside the Hartford in the 
darkness, and came very near pouring a broadside into 
her. The Mississippi ran aground on the west bank, 
and the rebel batteries, pouring an awful fire upon her, 
riddled her through and through. It was impossible to 
move her, and she was set on fire to keep her from fall- 
ing into the hands of the enemy. Soon after she loosened 
herself and floated down the river, and the fleet being 
unable to pass, slowly drifted down the stream while the 
Hartford and Albatross had pushed up beyond the forts."* 

It was a grand and terrific night brought to a fit close 
by the explosion of the Mississippi when the fire had 
reached her magazine. One fearful report, a flash of 
light and then darkness. The firing ceased. The old 
admiral had fought his way up the river; the contest was 
ended, and the din and roar of battle which had raged 
through the night was followed by a quiet and peaceful 
morning. 

In the mean time, while Companies C, I and K were 
guarding Banks's headquarters, the rest of the regiment 
had been routed up about two o'clock and formed in 
line of battle, apparently anticipating the possibility of 
an attack from the enemy. 

The members of the three companies in advance will 
recall with much pleasure and some amusement the 

* Campaigning with Banks. 



70 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

events of the morning of Sunday, March 15. The sun 
rose upon a plantation in full operation, supplied with 
provisions and stocked with slaves and animals. Fed- 
eral troops had never before reached so far into the 
interior to disturb the rights of private ownership. Be- 
fore the sun set most of the personal property of that 
plantation had vanished in the wake of the army. The 
colored members of the family exhibited great generosity 
and profuse hospitality in the distribution of food and 
supplies among the soldiers, who were encouraged to 
help themselves to whatever they desired. When, about 
ten o'clock, the line of march was taken up back toward 
Baton Rouge, there followed a procession of contrabands 
and mules and wagons loaded with personal chattels that 
had been the property of a rebel planter the day before. 
The riches of that man took to themselves wings and 
flew away with great rapidity. It must have taken a 
long time to reconstruct him into an earnest lover of the 
Union, and as he gazed upon his vanishing wealth he 
must have realized the vicissitudes of war. 

The companies that had been detailed the night before 
to guard the headquarters of General Banks, after march- 
ing about a mile, came to a halt near a schoolhouse and 
dwelling, in which lived a blind man and the pretty 
schoolmistress, whose attractive face and person were a 
cheering sight to men so long deprived of female society. 
Remaining here till four in the afternoon, we formed a 
guard to the ambulance train, reaching Bayou Monti- 
ceno about eight o'clock, and the march back through 
mud four or five inches deep was dreary and disagreeable 
beyond description. The rain came down in torrents, 
drenching us through and through. The movement of 
the army towards Port Hudson had been intended as a 
feint to attract the enemy's attention while the fleet 
made the attempt to pass the forts. The Hartford and 
Albatross having accomplished the feat, the troops turned 
back again towards Baton Rouge. A more desolate 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 71 

and uncomfortable night was never passed by the boys 
of the 50th than that of March 15th. 

Recrossing the bayou, we turned into the woods, 
flooded with downpours of rain which continued till 
morning. Fires were built and the weary and exhausted 
men were fain to catch a few snatches of sleep on the 
wet ground, and were then driven in huddling crowds 
about the great fires, where the steam evaporated from 
one side of the body while the driving rain soaked the 
other; but the longest night has an end, and rarely has 
the sun been more joyfully welcomed than on the next 
morning. Its cheering rays revived hope, refreshed ex- 
hausted bodies and added new hope and life to discon- 
solate men. The clouds melted away, a clear sky suc- 
ceeded the blackness of the night, and the appearance 
of the heavens animated the drooping spirits of the 
troops. 

The hardships and exposures of those two days and 
nights sowed the seeds of disease, undermined the con- 
stitution of some of the older men of the regiment and 
carried them to early graves, but had very little effect 
upon the younger ones, boys as they were, whose buoyant 
spirits carried them safely through. 

On Monday morning, March 16th, Companies C, I and 
K were ordered back to Baton Rouge as a guard to the 
ambulance train, but halted on the outskirts of the 
city, where we remained until afternoon, resting and dry- 
ing off the wet of the last twenty-four hours. In the 
afternoon the three companies marched back to the 
bayou and rejoined the regiment, which remained there 
till Wednesday morning, establishing themselves in com- 
fortable booths which had been constructed by the 17th 
New York and were now vacated by them. Rations of 
whiskey and lamb furnished to the men added greatly 
to the cheerful feeling that had taken possession of them. 
At dress parade official orders were read promulgating 
the fact that the expedition had proved a perfect success. 



72 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

Loaded down with sixty rounds of ammunition, we had 
anticipated serious work. 

The following correspondence relating to the advance 
of March 14 may be of interest to the members of the 
regiment : 



Headquarters Department of the Gttlf, 
Nineteenth Army Corps, 
Baton Rouge, La., March 13, 1863. 

General: Anticipating the success of Admiral Farragut's proposed 
attempt to riin the batteries at Port Hudson, and to open com- 
munications with you, I will avail myself of the opportunity to 
give you a statement of our position, force and intention. We have 
at Baton Rouge a force of about 17,000 infantry and one negro 
regiment, one regiment of heavy artillery, with six light batteries, 
a twenty-pound battery, a dismounted company of artillery, and 
ten companies of cavalry, of which eight are newly raised and 
hardly to be counted on. Of these, three regiments of infantry, 
the heavy artillery (meaning the siege train), the dismovmted 
artillery and one company of cavalry will remain at Baton Rouge. 
Leaving this force to hold the position of Baton Rouge, we march 
to-day upon Port Hudson by the Bayou Sara road, to make a 
demonstration upon that work, for the purpose of cooperating in 
the movement of the fleet. The best information we have of the 
enemy's force places it at 25,000 or 30,000. Tliis and his position 
preclude the idea of an assault upon our part, and accordingly 
the main object of the present movement is a diversion in favor of 
the navy, but we shall of course avail ourselves of any advantage 
which occasion may offer. Should the admiral succeed in his 
attempt, I shall trj' to open communication with Iiim on the other 
side of the river, and in that event trust I shall hear from you as 
to your position and movements, and especially as to your views 
of the most efficient modes of cooperation upon the part of the 
forces we respectively command. 

Very respectfully. 

Your obedient servant, 

N. P. BANKS, 
Major-General Commanding. 

Maj.-Gen. U. S. Grant, 

Commanding Department of the Tennessee. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 73 

Bivouac at Springfield Cross Roads, 
Fourteen Miles from Baton Rouge, March 14, 1863. 
Sir: Admiral Farragut having yesterday notified me of his 
intention to pass up in the afternoon and nin by Port Hudson this 
day or to-morrow, I immediately put my troops in motion which 
had been in readiness since the 10th of March, Grover leading, 
Emory following his march, and Augur bringing up the rear this 
morning. We have so far seen nothing of the enemy, except small 
parties of cavalry who are easily drawn in. The contrabands who 
have been examined to-day say the enemy will make no fight 
outside of his works. The men moved well and are in good spirits. 
There is very little straggling. The roads are in good condition, 
except where the bridges are destroyed or out of repair. I shall 
try to communicate with the fleet by means of signals. We move 
on the Bayou Sara road with detachments on the CUnton road, 
and will occupy to-night the general Une of the crossroads to 
Ross Landing. I have ordered General Sherman to hold a brigade 
of liis di\dsion and General Weitzel to hold his brigade in readiness 
to join me at a moment's notice in case of necessity, or if it is found 
that the reinforcements will enable me to strike a decisive blow. 
The movement of the navy will take place to-night. The admiral 
was delayed by the breaking down of the engines of the Winona 
and Essex (ironclad). 

Very respectfully. 

Your obedient servant, 

N. P. BANKS, 
Major-General Commanding. 
Maj.-Gen. H. W. Halleck, 

General-in-Chief, Washington, D.C. 

Headquarters Department of the Gulf, 
Nineteenth Army Corps, 
Camp near Baton Rouge, March 15, 1863. 
After sending my despatch of yesterday's date by telegraph 
through General Sherman, I received a communication from Ad- 
miral Farragut, forwarded from the signal station at Springfield 
Landing, informing me that the fleet wliich was then anchored 
near Profit's Island would move at eight o'clock in the evening, 
and that they expected to have passed the batteries by midnight. 
I immediately directed the best disposition of our forces that cir- 
cumstances would admit of, in view of the fact that the position 
has not been reconnoitered, and that the hasty reconnoissances 
which were immediately pushed out on all roads showed that our 
maps in many important respects were very imreliable. Of the 



74 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

enemy's position we had not the infonnation necessary to enable 
us to approach it with confidence, and had no time to obtain such 
information. Grover's division was placed in position in front of 
the Ross Landing crossroads, his left upon Bayou Baton Rouge 
with detachments on the Clinton road, and the crossroads on the 
right: Paine's brigade of Emory's division, and two batteries of 
the same division on Grover's left, across the bayou: the remainder 
of Emory's division near Alexander's: Augur's division at Vallan- 
digham's. Our cavalry was pushed forward to the forks of the 
Nettles and Ross Landing roads, and to the forks of the Bayou 
Sara road near the opening of what is marked on the map as 
"open plain," and succeeded in gaining and holding these points. 
I was very anxious to get our artillery before nightfall in a favorable 
position to keep up a firing during the night, with a view of draw- 
ing off a portion of the enemy's attention from the fleet. A small 
bridge on the Ross Landing road was found broken dowai so as 
to be impassable for artillery, and could not be repaired in time 
for me to carry out this object, and even had it been otherwise, our 
uncertainty as to the precise position of the enemy would have 
rendered this fire of but Uttle effect. We heard nothing further 
from the fleet until about eleven thirty p.m. when the sound of the 
mortars, followed almost immediately after by a heavy cannonade, 
announced that the navy were engaged. The cannonade continued 
to be heard at times very distinctly until after two a.m., the sound 
creeping slowly from left to right, when it apparently ceased. 
Between two thirty and three o'clock a bright light was seen above 
the river at about the point which the shells marked as the position 
of our mortar boats. The lights seemed to come from a burning 
vessel which apparently drifted down the stream. Very frequent 
explosions were heard as if proceeding from the burning craft, 
until shortly after five o'clock when a terrific explosion, as of a 
large magazine, told that the destruction was completed. The 
course followed by the sound of the firing satisfied me that at 
least a portion of the fleet had succeeded in passing Port Hudson, 
but some fears were aroused for the safety of the larger vessels, 
especially lest the burning craft should have been the Hartford. 
At about seven thirty a.m. to-day I received a despatch, of which 
a copy is enclosed, from the signal officer stationed at Springfield 
Landing, conveying definite information of the result of the engage- 
ment. The object of an expedition to create a diversion in favor 
of the navy having now been obtained, not indeed so completely 
as I wished, but quite as much as was possible under the circum- 
stances, and an assault upon the enemy's works being in view of 
our relative numbers out of the question, I gave orders for the 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 75 

troops to move in and occupy the line of the Bayou Monticeno, ex- 
tending across the Bayou Sara, Chnton and Greensburg roads. 
After seeing these orders in process of execution, I moved my head- 
quarters, and went into camp at the forks of the Bayou Sara and 
Chnton roads, where I shall remain for the present. I had made 
all the necessary arrangements to establish signal communications 
with the admiral on the west bank of the river, when I was reliably 
informed that the Hartford and Albatross had passed up the river 
out of sight. Colonel Clark, of my staff, was, I regret to state, 
severely but not dangerously wounded, while reconnoitering the 
enemy in front of our lines. 

Very respectfully, 

Your obedient servant, 

N. P. BANKS, 
Major-General Commanding. 
Maj.-Gen. H. W. Halleck, 

General-in-Chief , Washington, D.C. 



Headquarters, Port Hudson, La., March 16, 1863. 
General: The enemy's fleet came up within range at eleven 
o 'clock on the night of the 14th, and being discovered, made a terrific 
fight with my batteries from eleven until two, attempting to pass 
some vessels by. The result was, the Hartford (flagship) passed 
with the gunboat Monongahela (Albatross) lashed on the far side. 
The Hartford was very much damaged. The frigate Mississippi 
was burned immediately opposite and the frigate Richmond was 
badly crippled and had to fall back. The fleet consisted of four- 
teen vessels, steam frigates, sloops of war, gunboats and mortar 
boats, and all except the mortar boats came within range. The 
firing was terrific for three hours. The enemy was very much 
damaged in all her vessels within range, and prisoners state the 
loss must have been as much as 200. Our loss was one killed and 
eight wounded. I had four steamboats under me, vintil the moment 
of the fight, and I then sent them up the river. They have all 
escaped, as the Hartford was too badly damaged to pursue. I 
request that you send them back with corn as soon as the enemy 
passes beyond the Red River, which I suppose will be the case in 
a day or two. We have only ten days' allowance of com. 
I am, very respectfully. 

Your obedient servant, 

FRANK GARDNER. 
Major-General Commanding. 
Lieut. -Gen. Pemberton. 



76 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

Headquarters, Port Hudson, La., March 18, 1863. 

Colonel: I have the honor to make the following report of the 
engagement at this post during the night of the 14th instant 
with the enemy's fleet. During the day of the 14th the enemy 
advanced with its entire force, two divisions by the Bayou Sara 
road and one by the direct road to CUnton, and moved liis fleet up 
the river to within sight but out of range. At two p.m. he com- 
menced bombardment slowly from his mortar boats at long range 
and gradually increasing the range vmtil he threw his shells within 
the lower part of the breastworks. This was continued imtil six, 
without producing any other results than continued cheers from the 
men as his shells exploded. During the day Rust's pickets (liis 
brigade being in advance of the breastworks) skirmished success- 
fully with the enemy's advance. At eleven o'clock at night the 
fleet moved up, intending to pass seven vessels by, but were dis- 
covered immediately on starting by the signal corps on the op- 
posite side of the river, who sent up signal rockets, and Rust's 
light batteries at Troth's opened on them. The enemy immediately 
commenced bombardment from his mortar boats and firing from 
all his vessels as he came in range. They advanced in the follow- 
ing order, as has been ascertained from prisoners: steamship Hart- 
ford (flagship), with gunboat Kineo (not Monongahela, as reported) 
lashed on far side; steamship Richmond, gunboat Genesee, gunboat 
Monongahela, steamsliip Mississippi, gunboat Sachem, another not 
known, ironclad Essex (remaining at long range) and six mortar 
boats towed above the point. While passing up all opened their 
broadsides as rapidly as possible. Rust's two field batteries at 
Troth's Landing first received this tremendous firing, but, strange 
to say, without any harm, although the batteries kept up this 
unequal contest imtil the last. Next was Miles's twenty-pounder 
Parrott gun, which was beautifully served; and then followed the 
heavy guns, first DeGourney's battaUon and next the 1st Ten- 
nessee Artillery under DeGourney's command; next the battery 
served by four companies of Colonel Steedman's 1st Alabama 
Regiment, the remaining companies of this regiment being posted 
on the bluff as sharpshooters, but, unfortunately, the enemy did not 
come near this bank until after passing them. The five steamboats 
which had brought the provisions from Red River were unloading 
imtil the morning of the battle, and got under way in time to escape. 
The enemy's fleet advanced boldly but were handsomely received 
by our batteries. The Hartford, with the gunboat lashed to her, 
only succeeded in passing a little before twelve; all the rest of the 
fleet were driven back and evidently much damaged. The Missis- 
sippi was burned immediately opposite, and the Richmond driven 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 77 

back after she had reached the point. The gallant conduct and 
skill of the men at the batteries are deserving of the highest praise. 
The cheerfulness of the whole command during this terrible bom- 
bardment and connonading for three hours gives evidence of the 
stubborn resistance the enemy will meet in any attack on this port. 
The damage done to the enemy cannot be ascertained, but all could 
see vessel after vessel withdraw from the fight, one drifting down, 
and the enemy even discontinued the bombardment when his 
broadsides were out of range about two a.m. The enemy's land 
forces made an advance immediately after the naval fight, but 
again fell back a short distance, and retreated on the afternoon 
and during the night of the 15th instant with some appearance of 
disorder. His main body is over fifteen miles from here. Yester- 
day he landed troops from four transports on the opposite side 
of the river, with the intention of making a line of commxmication 
above, as I am informed by deserters, but I have cut the levee, 
which will materially interrupt him. My signal corps imder Cap- 
tain Yoimgblood has rendered the most important service, and 
driven back from station to station, he still continued to send up 
messages and send up rockets when the fleet advanced. I regret 
to state that Captain Yoimgblood and perhaps four others have 
been captured on the other side of the river. 

I am, sir, very respectfully. 

Your obedient servant, 

FRANK GARDNER, 

Major-General. 
Lieut.-Col. J. R. Waddy, 

Assistant Adjutant General. 

The Confederate casualty in picket engagement and 
during the bombardment of Port Hudson on the evening 
and night of March 14th was one killed and nineteen 
wounded. 

REPORTS OF MAJ.-GEN. NATHANIEL P. BANKS, U.S. 

ARMY, COMMANDING DEPARTMENT OF THE 

GULF, OF OPERATIONS, MARCH 7-27 

Headquarters Department of the Gulf, 

Nineteenth Army Corps, 

New Orleans, La., March 21, 1863. 

In pursuance of the plan suggested in my last dispatches the 

fleet under the command of Rear-Admiral Farragut made the 

contemplated effort for the successful passage of the river batteries 



78 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

at Port Hudson on Saturday evening, the 14th instant. The fleet 
consisted of the flagship Hartford, Monongahela, Richmond and 
Mississippi, with a gunboat lashed upon the port side of the last 
three named vessels. The Essex (ironclad), Sachem and six mortar 
boats held position below the forts, enfilading by their fire the 
lower batteries. The fleet moved from Baton Rouge on Friday 
evening at four o'clock, and anchored below Port Hudson until 
eight o'clock on Saturday evening, when it commenced the con- 
templated movement, and at eleven thirty o'clock the rebel batteries 
opened upon the leading ship, which was returned by the fleet 
with terrific and successful energy until one o'clock in the morning. 

The passage was only partially successful. The Hartford with 
the Albatross ran the gaimtlet successfully. The Monongahela 
reached the center batteries, when she was disabled by an accident 
to her machinery and fell back to her former position. The Rich- 
mond was disabled by a shot through her steam-drum, and followed 
the Monongahela. The Mississippi, having passed the center 
batteries, ran argound, and after sustaining the concentrated fire 
of the batteries for half an hour and removing the sick and wounded, 
she was fired and blown up by order of her commander. Smith. 
Nothing was saved from the ship but officers and crew, and nothing 
was left to the enemy. Admiral Farragut, with the Hartford and 
Albatross, was reported at Waterloo on Sunday. The Richmond, 
Monongahela and the gunboats Essex (ironclad), Sachem, Genesee 
and Kineo reached Profit's Island, three miles below Port Hudson. 
The loss of Ufe was chiefly sustained by the Mississippi. It is 
believed that the killed, wounded and prisoners will not exceed 70. 
The loss on the other vessels was comparatively light, including 
among the wounded the inestimable officers Commander McKinstry 
of the Monongahela, who was injured by a fall from the bridge 
which was shot away, and Lieutenant Cummings of the Richmond, 
who has since died. 

The land force vmder my command, at the suggestion of Ad- 
miral Farragut, moved to Baton Rouge on the 7th instant, with 
the exception of such detachments as were necessary to hold the 
several positions occupied by our armies on the lower river. The 
effective force thus concentrated at Baton Rouge was less than 
17,000 men. The non-arrival of the fleet remaining at New Orleans 
for repairing machinery detained us at Baton Rouge until Friday, 
the 13th instant, when General Grover's division moved for Port 
Hudson. General Emory's division followed at daybreak on the 
14th instant, and Major-General Augur's, the reserve at the same 
hour. General Grover encamped near the church at the inter- 
section of the Bayou Sara road leading to the plain in the rear of 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 79 

Port Hudson and the road to Springfield Landing, where communi- 
cation was estabUshed with the fleet on Saturday, the 14th instant, 
at two P.M. General Emory moved a brigade on the same road at 
the point of intersection with the direct road to Port Hudson and 
the road to Ross Landing, touching the lower line of batteries, and 
another force was posted near Springfield Landing, to maintain 
connections with the river and fleet, the position being three miles 
in rear of land fortifications, and on the flank of the lower rebel 
batteries. 

The object of the movement was to make a diversion during the 
passage of the fleet, and not to make an attack with the expectation 
of carrying the works. The assistance of the fleet would be indis- 
pensable in any determined attack, and the hope of the naval and 
land officers was, that it might run the batteries with as little firing 
as possible. No decisive encounter with the enemy was antici- 
pated therefrom, unless, as we hoped, they should come out of 
their works. These positions were assumed at two p.m. on Satur- 
day, the 14th instant. My intention was to move the batteries, 
with a protecting force, upon the Ross Landing road, which ter- 
minated on the bank of the river on the fine of the lower battery. 
This would give us a flank fire, in line with that of the Essex and 
Sachem and the mortars, directly into the land and water fortifi- 
cations. A part of General Emory's division and the whole of 
Grover's forces, posted near the junction of the road to Ross Land- 
ing and the direct road to Port Hudson, would be ready to advance 
upon the rear of the works if opportunity offered, or to repel, by 
a flank attack, any force deboucliing upon the road to attack the 
batteries. The remaining brigades of General Emory and the 
division of General Augur held in reserve two miles in the rear 
upon the Bayou Sara road. Such was the disposition of the main 
force at two p.m. on Saturday, the 14th instant. 

While waiting for the movements of the fleet, the minor dis- 
positions covering the position which we held were as follows: 
The roads leading from Baton Rouge are six in number: first, the 
Highland road, crossing the Bayou Manchac, and leading to the 
pass of that name; second, the Clay Cut road, with two intersect- 
ing roads cutting the Comite and Amite Rivers; third, the Green well 
Springs road leading directly to Camp Moore; fourth, the Clinton 
road leading direct to Clinton; fifth, the Bayou Sara road, upon 
which our march was made; sixth, the road to Springfield Landing, 
which was on line of communication with the river. 

We had information, which could not be disregarded, that a 
supporting force, in the event of an attack upon Port Hudson, was 
at an intermediate point between Port Hudson and Vicksburg, and 



80 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

that a cavalry force of 1,200 men was on the CUnton road, wath 
rumors of a force on the other side of the Amite from Mobile and 
Camp Moore. The bridges on these roads were destroyed by my 
order on the day preceding our march, and each intersecting road 
was covered by a small force by the Highland road to that of Spring- 
field Landing. Our cavalry being weak in numbers, the deficiency 
was supplied by the infantry. In addition to these detachments, 
two regiments, under command of Colonel Chickering of the 41st 
Massachusetts, were left at Baton Rouge to protect the camp 
against the threatened cavalry raids of the enemy. 

The force with which I was enabled to move against Port Hudson 
did not exceed 12,000 infantry, a force at the best far inferior in 
numbers to that of the enemy. The enemy's pickets appeared on 
all these roads, but were promptly driven in as we approached the 
works without serious loss or contest on our part. It was my in- 
tention to open fire upon the lower works from the Ross Landing 
road. We had relied for this movement upon the map prepared 
for this occasion, with great industry and ability, from local coimty 
maps and general information obtained from the people. The 
reconnoissances of the afternoon, however, developed the fact that 
the Ross Landing road did not exist, and we were necessarily forced 
to change the direction of our operations to the rear of the enemy's 
works by the Port Hudson road, and to enter upon new reconnois- 
sances with that view. These were pushed with v-igor until dark 
to within 600 yards of the enemy's works, and preparations made 
for moving our artillery upon that road. Up to this moment it 
had been understood that the passage of the fleet was to be made 
in the gray of the morning, and not at night, but at five o'clock I 
received a dispatch from the admiral stating that he should com- 
mence liis movements at eight o'clock in the evening. It was 
impossible for me to construct bridges and repair the almost im- 
passable roads for artillery in season to cooperate with the fleet 
by a concentrated artillery fire. I had just left the rear of the 
enemy's works in company with General Grover, in conclusion of 
the reconnoissances of the enemy, when the fleet and their batteries 
open their fire at eleven thirty p.m. 

Had the original purpose been carried out, my batteries would 
have been in position before morning. We had waited nearly 
ten days for the fleet, detained by the breakage of machinery, and 
lost the opportunity of crossing its fire with that of our artillery in 
the premature commencement of the action by so many hours. 
The reconnoissances were pushed with vigor from two o'clock until 
the opening of the fleet at eleven p.m. Whenever the enemy's 
pickets appeared they were driven in, cavalry or infantry, until it 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 81 

was manifest they were determined not to venture out of the works 
to give or receive battle. In the early part of these movements 
Col. John S. Clark, of my staff, who was near the enemy's line, 
was seriously wounded, his horse being killed by the same shot 
under him. A captain of cavalry was also wounded and captured. 
Several dead bodies were left upon the groimd by the rebels, and 
some of the wounded brought into our camp. The entire command 
was under arms during the night, but no general action occurred. 

Information having been received from the signal corps that 
the Hartford and Albatross had safely crossed at Springfield Land- 
ing, and the balance of the fleet, with the exception of the Missis- 
sippi, was in safety on this side, the troops rested upon their arms 
imtil Sunday evening, when they fell back near Bayou Monticeno, 
and encamped from five to eight miles from Baton Rouge. On 
Tuesday the troops again advanced upon the Clinton and Bayou 
Sara roads, the enemy's pickets retiring before them but offering 
no serious resistance, returning to camp during the night. 

It has been understood, in the event of the passage of any portion 
of the fleet, that communication with the river above Port Hudson 
should be made by the army. Accordingly two regiments, with a 
section of artillery, and a company of cavalry vmder Colonel Parmele 
of New York, were sent on Monday, the 16th instant, to force a 
passage from opposite Profit's Island, under protection of the fleet, 
to some point above Port Hudson. 

The rebels having cut the state levee opposite Port Hudson, with 
a view to prevent the passage of the troops by the flood, I sent 
forward on Wednesday a brigade imder command of Colonel Dud- 
ley of the 30th Massachusetts, with instructions to make a passage 
by the bed of False River if necessary, or to ascertain and report 
definitely the obstructions which should make it impracticable. 
I accompanied this expedition with several of my staff officers, 
moving up the river opposite the batteries within range of the 
enemy's gims. A full view of the batteries was obtained, of which 
complete sketches were made by the topographical and engineer 
officers, who advanced to the cut. The crevasse, occasioned by 
the cutting of the state levee, is about sixty yards wide, and had 
obtained a depth of two and one-half feet. This was easily forded 
by the cavalry and infantry, but the rise of the water having swept 
away the bridges, it was impossible to distinguish the course of 
the bayous, making the passage impracticable except for horsemen. 
Subsequently Colonel Paine of the 2d Louisiana Infantry, with, a 
detachment of his command, crossed to the river about three miles 
above Port Hudson, commanding a view of the river, but failed to 
obtain any information of the fleet above. Colonel Dudley to-day 



82 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

makes an effort to reach Waterloo, six miles above the forts, after 
which he will return with his command to Baton Rouge. 

Thursday evening three small river steamers came down the 
river and rested imder the batteries. They appeared to me to have 
come from Thompson's Creek, two miles above Port Hudson, and 
to be intended for the transport of troops across the river to meet 
our troops. No resistance has been offered to them, however, 
except from the batteries at the fort. To-day I expect a report 
of the final result of this reconnoissance. 

The force of the enemy on the river front is not less than thirty 
or forty guns, in strong works and position. The land fortifications 
extend from near Ross Landing to the creek above the river batteries, 
encompassed by strong field works, and defended at intervals with 
field artillery and a garrison of not less than 20,000 men. Its 
strength is, however, in the power of concentrating troops at this 
point. The utmost force I can bring to its assault or investment 
will not exceed 17,000 men, wthout abandoning to the enemy 
vital points on the Lower Mississippi. My conviction is now more 
firm than before this reconnoissance that it is not in the power of 
the troops under my command to carry tliis position by assault or 
siege without re-enforcements. It is universally represented by 
the enemy to be stronger than Vicksburg. I cannot doubt that in 
itself it is so. My command is ready to make the assault, but my 
conviction is strong that it would end in the useless sacrifice of my 
men. We are now in the best possible position to make an attack, 
if in sufficient force. The Hartford and Albatross can enfilade the 
works from above, the balance of the fleet from below. A heavy 
battery could now easily be planted on the opposite side in front 
of these works. The river batteries could not resist the concen- 
trated fire. A land force moving at the same time upon the rear, 
equal to the garrison, and capable of meeting promptly any re- 
enforcements, would complete the certain reduction or evacuation 
of the post. This requires re-enforcements here and cooperation 
of the forces near Vicksburg wliich, I hope, may be secured. This 
is worth an earnest effort. I can but repeat the opinion expressed 
in previous dispatches, that the freedom of the Mississippi is a 
suppression of this Rebellion. The object expected to be obtained 
by running the batteries were: first, communication with the land 
and naval forces at Vicksburg; second, defeating the construction 
of new batteries before Port Hudson and Vicksburg; third, cutting 
off suppHes by the Red River; fourth, obtaining an opportunity 
to enfilade the Red River batteries from above; and fifth, the de- 
struction of the rebel steamers in the river. All these objects have 
been successfully accomplished except the last, and, with the ex- 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 83 

ception of the loss of the Mississippi, none of the anticipated 
injuries have been sustained. The complete success of the expedi- 
tion may be thus justly assumed. 

General Weitzel informs me that the Queen of the West and the 
Webb are at Butte-a-la-Rose, on the Atchafalaya, threatening an 
attack upon his position (the enclosed dispatches show the position 
he occupies). It is impossible to send the gunboats he desires 
immediately, but in all other respects he will be strengthened at 
once. 

It is my purpose to commence without delay military movements 
upon the Atchafalaya or the Teche, which were interrupted by 
naval and land expeditions to Port Hudson. I beg leave to assure 
you that no time will be lost hereafter in action. My troops are in 
good health and in the best spirits and condition. Insufficient 
land and water transportation and the weakness of the cavalry 
are the only obstacles that we shall now encounter, and these are 
being strengthened every day. 

In our movements beyond the lines of the army I have appro- 
priated all the products of the country to the use of the govern- 
ment, not allowing speculators to follow us and buy and sell imder 
cover of our forces. In the recent expedition to Port Hudson not 
less than $300,000 worth of cotton and sugar, seized by the officers 
of the government, had been turned over to the chief quarter- 
master of the department. Receipts have been given therefor to 
the parties from which the property has been taken, stating fully 
the circumstances under which the seizure has been made. I shall 
pursue this course hereafter unless otherwise directed by the gov- 
ernment, and entertain no doubt the department expenses can 
in a great degree be defrayed. I returned to New Orleans from Port 
Hudson last evening, and shall to-day go to the headquarters of 
General Weitzel. I have ordered General Grover's division to 
move from Baton Rouge to his support immediately. I cannot 
close this dispatch without again referring to the total insufficiency 
of the forces and material within my reach for the work that is 
expected of me in this department. I have the honor to be, sir, 
Very respectfully. 

Your obedient servant, 

N. P. BANKS, 
Major-General Commanding. 
To Maj.-Gen. H. W. Halleck. 



Tuesday, March 17. The regiment was called out at 
four this morning, and again was ordered to fall in this 



84 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

afternoon when we deployed through the woods, expecting 
a brush with the enemy. 

Wednesday, March 18. The brigade returned to 
Baton Rouge, reaching the parade ground at two p.m., 
and after a hot and tiresome march was dismissed to 
regimental and company quarters where knapsacks and 
overcoats were left, two days' ration taken and the line 
formed in an hour for an expedition up the river. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 85 

CHAPTER VIII 

EXPEDITION TO WINTER'S PLANTATION 

WEDNESDAY, March 18, 1863. General Dudley's 
brigade, accompanied by a company of cavalry 
and a battery of artillery, embarked on steamers, 
the 50th going on board the Morning Light. We got 
under way about eight in the evening and, after steaming 
up the river some ten miles in the fog and darkness, were 
carried through a crevasse in the levee up on to a planta- 
tion, where for the time being the boat was stuck hard 
and fast. It was a novel spectacle presented to view as 
the first gleam of morning lighted up the horizon and 
exhibited buildings half submerged and the entire terri- 
tory under water. But then we were in a very awkward 
predicament for an expedition started out on an aggressive 
movement, for the time being at least, little better than 
prisoners of war. Fuel was crowded on to the fire and 
every effort made to get up sufficient steam to start the 
wheels, but in vain, until about three in the afternoon, 
when we finally succeeded in getting off and reaching 
once more the channel of the river. A mast was dropped 
perpendicularly into the water, and the bow of the boat 
was raised by means of blocks and ropes, and then the 
engine started, by means of which an impetus was given 
to the craft. Continuing on we were landed at Winter's 
Plantation on the west bank of the Mississippi about four 
or five miles below Port Hudson, preceded by the rest of 
the troops, who had reached there during the night. 

Here was an ideal Louisiana sugar plantation, exhibit- 
ing the thrift, wealth and refinement which characterized 
a select and exclusive class of southerners before the war. 
In the first place there was the white and attractive 



86 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

mansion of one story, with high and airy apartments 
and broad piazzas facing the water. In the yard at the 
rear of the house stood the numerous outbuildings, in- 
cluding cook house, wash house, bacon house and other 
various structures which formed part of the curtilage. 
A little distance away was located the large sugar house, 
a substantial brick building fitted up with machinery 
and filled with sugar and molasses. Alongside the river 
two rows of cabins facing each other were the negro 
quarters, at the farther end of which stood the overseer's 
house, the hospital and the caboose, the implements of 
punishment for unruly slaves still there. It was a 
baronial estate, whose master within certain limitations 
must have had the power of an absolute despot. Under 
such conditions and with such surroundings it would 
have been singular indeed if the ruling clases of the South 
had not been aristocratic and arrogant. It was the 
natural and necessary result of their environment. 

The 50th Regiment occupied the negro quarters on 
one side of the street and the 30th on the other, while 
the field officers of the two regiments were quartered in 
the overseer's house and the band in the hospital. The 
mansion house served as headquarters for General Dudley, 
and the rest of the brigade took possession of the remain- 
ing buildings. 

Friday, March 20. The Monongahela steamed up this 
morning and paid her respects to the rebels, and the 
Genesee threw some shells into the Confederate fortifica- 
tions and a steamer that lay protected under their guns, 
but elicited no response. A foraging expedition has been 
out into the country to-day, and returned driving in 
large numbers of cattle, sheep and mules and accompanied 
by numerous contrabands. 

Saturday, March 21. Magee's cavalry came up this 
morning bringing in several prisoners. More shells were 
thrown this afternoon over into Port Hudson. In ad- 
dition to the Genesee and Monongahela are the Richmond, 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 87 

the ironclad Esse::, gunboats Nos. 2 and 3, the Winona, and 
a mortar fleet of small schooners, so that quite a formida- 
ble fleet furnishes ample protection to our brigade. 

No season of the year in Louisiana can be more beauti- 
ful than the latter part of March. Vegetation has burst 
forth with wanton luxuriance. The green foliage of the 
trees, flowers in bloom, and a soft and balmy atmosphere 
offer a seductive charm to a climate so extreme in con- 
trast at this time of the year with the raw and searching 
winds of a New England March. And then the interest 
and excitement as we watched the movements of the 
boats, and listened to the shells screeching through the 
air, as the great guns of the fleet boomed away, added 
zest to life, and doubly so because, while we felt secure 
ourselves, all the danger seemed to be on the other side. 
Altogether the week passed at Winter's Plantation made 
up one of the pleasantest chapters in the history of the 
50th Regiment. 

* "Sunday, March 22. No preaching to-day, but we 
rested. Late in the afternoon the brigade was called out 
in regiments, and General Dudley made some short and 
energetic remarks, stating that he expected before morn- 
ing we should receive an attack. About five miles above 
us, on the same side of the river, is a large force of the 
enemy, and there is nothing between us to intercept their 
approach. Every caution would be taken to prevent a 
surprise, and if every man would do his duty with the 

aid of the gunboats, we would give them . When 

we were dismissed the orders were to rest with equip- 
ments on. The artillery was posted in front to rake the 
approaches, and horses and men stood at their posts 
during the livelong night. The gunboats lay alongside 
the levee, and the old ironclad Essex came into line 
ready for duty. The rain fell in torrents, the lightning 
played, the thunder rolled and the wind blew like a 
tornado. High trees that had withstood the war of 

* From the diary of Sergeant Nelson. 



88 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

elements for generations were laid low, but amid the 
wreck not a Confederate showed his visage, and we awoke 
to blue skies and a sunny morning. 

"Tuesday, March 24. The cavalry went up the river 
to-day, burned a rebel steamer, destroyed a great amount 
of property, consisting of grain, molasses, sugar, etc., and 
brought in five or six prisoners and a large deputation 
of citizens, among whom was a Catholic priest in canon- 
icals, and a very pleasant man he is. Fearing that they 
may furnish information to the enemy, they are detained 
as prisoners till we return to Baton Rouge. They are 
kept in one of the large rooms of the house, and sentinels 
are placed at every door. About midnight General 
Dudley went the rounds to see how well the men did 
guard duty, and came through the room. The prisoners 
were all spread out on the floor asleep, and at one door 

little Frank had been stationed on guard, and being 

just a little tired was sitting with his back against the 
door, his head resting on his knees, his musket lying on 
an arm and drowsy enough not to hear the general when 
he entered. General Dudley stepped up very briskly and 
caught hold of the gun, and Frank as briskly came to his 
feet holding on grimly with both hands to the musket, 
the two looking each other in the eye for an instant, when 
the general burst out with, 'This is no way to do guard 
duty, one of these prisoners could take away your gun 

from you in a moment.' 'Not by a ,' said 

Frank, and he looked so earnest and determined that 
General Dudley evidently believed it, for he broke into a 
hearty laugh. 

"Wednesday, March 25. The spoils of war are still 
being gathered and placed where they will do the most 
good. The demoralizing effects of stealing in high places 
found its counterpart among the men. Lieutenant — — 
has charge of the commissary department for the gen- 
eral's household. What his antecedents are is not known, 
but the general opinion as now expressed is that he is a 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 89 

'dead beat.' Last night somebody in a clandestine 
manner abstracted a live pig which he promised himself 
should tickle his palate to-day, and visions of roast pig 
floated in his morning dreams, but when the pig was 
called to come, no pig was there. Company K's cooking 
department was quite near where the disappointed staff 
officer had left his porcine friend, and the guilt was 
laid at its door. He knew, he said, the pig went up 
those stairs and it may be that he was more than half 
right, but he could not get any satisfaction, and so 
crossed the yard and laid the charge to Company A of 
the 30th. They were in the same blissful ignorance, and 
upon his opening on them Captain F. took the matter 
up, and outranking as well as outtalking him, it was a 
privilege just then to be a private and hear the fun. 
'You talk about stealing,' said Captain F., 'you, the 
most notorious thief in the department, around here 
accusing men of stealing your pig.' The meeting was 

short, but the time was all taken up. of the staff 

had great odds to contend with, and so quietly withdrew. 
" Thursday, March 26. Between twelve and one last 
night the long roll beat and the men fell into equipments 
and tumbled into line at short notice, anticipating an 
attack from the enemy, but it proved to be only a call 
for the brigade to make preparations for a return to 
Baton Rouge, and Winter's Plantation was left in its 
lonely solitude; but those lively times will long live in 
the memory of the men, who in after years will gather 
together and fight their battles over again. The dim 
uncertainty which surrounds us at present, the knowl- 
edge of what we are here for, the liability of what may 
happen to any one of us, and of what must surely happen 
to some of us, throw a chill over our thoughts and feel- 
ings which all the excitement of camp and the continual 
changes by marches and raids cannot entirely dispel. 
After a pleasant sail down the river we arrived at Baton 
Rouge and again rested on the old camp ground." 



90 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

The following correspondence relates to the expedition 
to Winter's Plantation: 

Headquarters Department of the Gulf, 
Nineteenth Army Corps, 
New Orleans, La., March 27, 1863. 

Sir: Since my dispatch of the 21st instant (which should have 
been No. 7), the force consisting of Dudley's brigade and the 
174th New York, of Chapin's brigade, of Augur's division, two 
sections of Arnold's battery (G), Fifth Artillery, two companies 
(D and E) of the 2d Rhode Island Cavalry, and Magee's company 
(B) of Massachusetts Unattached Cavalry, all under the command 
of Col. N. A. M. Dudley, 30th Massachusetts, has succeeded in 
opening communication with a point of the river near the mouth of 
False River, above Port Hudson. 

A party of cavalry sent forward from a detachment consisting 
of the 174th New York and 2d Louisiana, vmder Charles J. Paine 
of the latter regiment, reached that point on the 19th. Colonel 
Paine, who led this party in person, reports that he could discover 
no sign of the Hartford or Albatross, and could hear nothing of 
them. Contrabands and deserters reported that the admiral had 
passed up the river. 

On the 20th four steamers were seen to arrive at Port Hudson, 
said to be from Red River. Five quite intelligent negroes, who came 
down from Natchez in skiffs, reported that two of our big ships 
had passed that point on their way up, said to be part of the fleet 
engaged at Port Hudson. It seemed almost certain therefore that 
the admiral had passed the mouth of Red River and gone to Vicks- 
burg. My object in sending this force across the river was there- 
fore attained, but upon the earnest solicitation of Commander 
Alden, Colonel Dudley was permitted to remain at Winter's Planta- 
tion for several days longer, in hopes that the Hartford might return 
in the early part of the week, and with the purpose of affording to 
Admiral Farragut an opportmiity of rejoining in person the main 
force of his fleet, still below Port Hudson, and of transferring his 
flag to another vessel, as he would probably desire to do. 

On the 25th, however, still hearing nothing of the admiral, and 
having put the divisions of Grover and Emory under marching 
orders, I ordered Colonel Dudley to rejoin the division at Baton 
Rouge. It is reported to me to-day that these orders have been 
executed. Should the admiral return to the vicinity of Port Hud- 
son he will undoubtedly be seen or heard of by the fleet lying just 
below that place. I think we can easily establish and maintain 
communication with him. Incidentally to the main object of 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 91 

the expedition, Colonel Dudley succeeded in seeming considerable 
supplies of fresh beef, sugar, molasses and cotton and a number 
of horses and mules. The fresh beef especially was a welcome 
addition to the supplies of both the army and navy. Copies of 
the reports of Colonels Dudley and Parmele, dated respectively 17th 
and 19th instant, are enclosed. I take leave to bring to your 
especial notice the energy, professional skill and correct judgment 
displayed in the management of this expedition, after he assumed 
command of it, by that excellent and zealous officer, Col. N. A. M. 
Dudley, 30th Massachusetts, commanding the 3d Brigade of Augur's 
division. 

N. P. BANKS, 
Major-General Commanding 
To Gen. H. W. Halleck, 

General-in-Chief, Washington, D.C. 

Headquarters Third Brigade, First Division, 

March 19, 1863. 
Sir: I have the honor to report, for the information of the major 
general commanding, the result of the reconnoissance made by the 
troops under my command to-day. I sent, under the command of 
Col. C. J. Paine of the 2d Louisiana Volunteers, 174th New York 
Volunteers, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Gott, the 
2d Louisiana Volunteers, Lieutenant-Colonel Everett, and a de- 
tachment of the 2d Rhode Island Cavalry, in a direction directly 
opposite Port Hudson. Finding the water too deep for his infantry, 
he took his cavalry, and after a march of four miles reached the 
Mississippi River above Port Hudson. I respectfully refer the 
commanding officer to his report of a discharge of the duty assigned 
him. Colonel Paine, by his personal courage, military skill and 
indomitable perseverance, has almost individually accomplished 
the object for which hundreds of troops were deemed necessary. 
I am, sir, respectfully, 

Your most obedient servant, 

N. A. M. DUDLEY, 
Colonel and Acting Brigadier-General Commanding. 

Col. Richard B. Irwin, 

Assistant Adjutant General. 

Camp near Port Hudson, La., March 19, 1863. 
Captain: I have to report for the information of the command- 
ing officer, that in obedience to verbal instructions I proceeded with 
two regiments of infantry, the 2d Louisiana and 174th New York, 



92 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

and about twenty cavalry at two p.m. directly inland from this 
point. After marching about a mile the country was so flooded 
with water that I left the infantry, and went on with the cavalry, 
leaving squads of them behind to watch the bridge and two cross- 
roads. Reaching a bay (marked on the map False River), I turned 
to the right and galloped to the Mississippi, striking it about two 
miles from and above Port Hudson and at the mouth of False 
River. I examined the river for ships of war, but could see none. 
I examined the banks of Port Hudson, and could see no vessels, 
except one small river steamboat painted white. Part of the shore 
on the west side of the Mississippi River and above False River 
was not in sight, and could not be seen by any one on the south 
side of False River, which cannot be forded. A good road crosses 
False River at a dike about a mile from its mouth. 
I am, Captain, respectfully, 
Yoiir obedient servant, 

CHARLES J. PAINE, 
Colonel 2d Louisiana Volunteers, Commanding Expedition. 

Captain Speed, 

Assistant Adjutant General. 



Headquarters Third Brigade, First Division, 
Bivouac opposite Port Hudson, La., March 25, 1863. 
Enclosed I have the honor to send an official copy of the report 
of a very successful expedition which I sent out yesterday morning 
under the command of Captain Magee, supported by two others 
sent on his flanks, accompanied by Lieutenant Bean of my staff. 
His detailed report will give the general commanding full particu- 
lars of all the facts. Captain Magee is entitled to the highest com- 
mendation for the prompt and perfect execution of the orders 
given him. He, with his whole command, was over five hours in 
the water. The perseverance of his men and officers is only sur- 
passed by their perfect success. Lieutenant Bean volunteered to 
accompany the expedition. Captain Magee speaks in the warmest 
terms of his gallantry and zeal. 

I am, sir, respectfully, 

Your obedient servant, 

N. A. M. DUDLEY, 
Colonel and Acting Brigadier-General. 

Capt. George B. Halsted, 

Assistant Adjutant General. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 93 

Bivouac opposite Port Hudson, March 24, 1863. 
Sir: I have the honor to submit, for the information of the 
commanding officer, the following report of an expedition made to- 
day by my company, in accordance with the orders received this 
morning. I left the bivouac of the command at ten a.m., and 
under the guidance of a creole, a prisoner in oiu* hands, formerly 
a resident of the region, proceeded to the Hermitage Landing, a 
point at the head of the lower mouth of the False River and nearly 
opposite Port Hudson. The route for about three miles was through 
a dense forest, overflowed with water very deep for horses, inter- 
sected at many points by bayous from ten to twenty feet deep, 
and distance across from thirty to fifty yards which our horses had 
to swim. On arriving at the main road which runs parallel with 
the south levee of the False River, myself and Lieutenant Bean, 
who accompanied me on the expedition and rendered me most 
valuable aid, and who contributed much toward our success, rode 
to the point to reconnoiter. On discovering no enemy at the point 
where a considerable force was foimd two days before, I moved 
my command forward to the dike where the rebel steamer Hope, 
loaded with 600 barrels of molasses, lay, which, in the execution 
of your order, I burned with its freight. I then left a portion of 
my men in the rear, and proceeded with the balance to the junction 
of the False and Mississippi Rivers (Hermitage Landing), where 
I found over 1 ,000 barrels of molasses, all of which I destroyed or 
roUed into the river. At this point I found a rebel machine shop, 
at present used as a repair shop for guns. This was burned with 
its contents, together with government granary containing 15,000 
bushels of com, intended for Port Hudson. After destroying all 
the property, including a drug store having a large assortment of 
valuable medicines, and some outbuildings, one the post office, 
I then proceeded to two or three points on the Mississippi where 
I had a full view of the river four or five miles above Waterloo. 
Neither the Hartford nor Albatross were in sight, and no accurate 
information could be obtained from either whites or contrabands 
of their whereabouts. BeUeving I had carried out Acting Briga- 
dier-General Dudley's instructions, I started on my return, when 
I discovered three of the enemy at a short distance in the wood, 
pursued them, caught them, and turned them over to the guard. 
I am, sir, respectfully, 

Your obedient servant, 

J. M. MAGEE, 
Captain 2d Unattached Massachusetts Cavalry, 

Commanding Detached Expedition. 
Captain Speed, 

Assistant Adjutant General. 



94 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 



Heavy Ordnance at Port Hudson, La., March 27, 1863. 



COMMANDERS 


IB 

S 

■< 


CALIBER 


KIND 




WEIGHT 


H 
< 


FOUNDERY 


Capt. Whitfield.. 


No.l 


Four 62s 


Parrott 


(*) 


70.10.00 


(*) 


(*) 




( 


42-pounder 


Smooth-bore 


239 


70.2.05 


1822 


(*) 


Lieut. Harman . . 


No. 2-^ 


24-pounder 


Rifle 


1 


55.73 


1836 


(*) 




/ 


24-poimder 


" 


*2 


56.41 


1826 


(*) 


Capt.[Riley 


No.sj 


30-pounder 


" 


123 


71.41 


1834 


M. C. W. & Co. 




42-pounder 


Smooth-bore 


183 


(*) 


(*) 


J.C. &Co., B. F.,Va. 


Capt. Seawall . . . 


No. 4/ 


8-inch 
10-inch 


Columbiad 


63 
5 


10.5.00 
13.800 


1862 
1862 


(*) 
T. J. W., Va. 




f 


10-inch 


" 


(*) 


13.380 


1862 


J. R. & Co., T. F. 


Capt. Ramsey. . . 


No. 5^ 


42-pounder 


Smooth-bore 


163 


(*) 


(*) 


J.C. &Co.,B. F.,Va. 




1 


32-poimder 


" 


4 


61.1.21 


*182 


(*) 


Capt. Kean 


No.ei 


24-pouiider 
24-pounder 


Rifle 


58 
73 


5550 
5550 


1828 
1828 


(*) 
(*) 


Capt. Sparkman, 

hot shot 
Capt. Coffin 


No.?! 


24-pounder 
24-pounder 


Smooth-bore 


11 

74 


5515 
5550 


1835 
1828 


(*) 
(*) 


No.sj 


24-pounder 
24-pounder 


Rifle 


11 
6 


5562 
5562 


1826 
1836 


(*) 
M. C. W. & Co. 


Capt. Le Bisque. 


No.gj 


8-inch 
32-pounder 


Shell gun 
Smooth-bore 


264 
229 


62.2.12 
42.2.05 


1842 
1845 


A. S. W. 
A. S. W. 



* Either not marked or so defaced by time, paint, etc., as not to be distinguishable. 



tela. 

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D.C. 



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Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 95 



CHAPTER IX 

DEPARTURE OF TROOPS FOR THE TECHE COUNTRY — GEN- 
ERAL Dudley's brigade remains to garrison baton 

ROUGE — DEATH OF DR. FRENCH — ARRIVAL OF 
GRIERSON's CAVALRY 

FRIDAY, March 27. There was an inspection of 
brigade to-day, and a march through the city down 
to the river. Most of the troops are leaving for an 
expedition to the Teche country, and General Dudley is 
to remain here with his brigade and some other troops 
and a portion of the fleet to garrison the town. 

April 2. The last three companies, B, D and F, arrived 
to-day from quarantine, on the Sally Robinson, and the 
rest of the regiment marched down to the river to escort 
them to the camp. 

April 4. The regiment moved back to-day to its 
former quarters near the Penitentiary that it might be 
nearer the center of the city, and in case of an attack 
the location at the tannery was liable to be exposed to 
our own artillery. Every preparation is being made for 
a defence during the absence of General Banks, and the 
woods outside of the town are being cut down so as to 
afford no protection to the enemy. 

Monday, April 6. Rumors are in the air that we are 
likely to be attacked, and the drummers were kept up to 
beat the roll call in case of an alarm, and the cavalry and 
battery horses were in harness all night. 

Thursday, April 9. Last night orders were received 
for an expedition to march to Bayou Monticeno, to 
destroy the bridge left there last month, and so interrupt 
the communication between here and Port Hudson. The 
detail, consisting of Companies A, B, C and I, with two 



96 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

companies of the 2d Louisiana and four of the 30th, 
accompanied by two pieces of artillery and a company 
of cavalry under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Everett 
of the 2d Louisiana, left about three a.m., arriving at the 
bayou about seven o'clock and driving in the rebel 
pickets. The two guns were immediately got into posi- 
tion, and a part of the force ordered across the bridge 
on the double quick to reconnoiter, and two companies 
were sent forward as skirmishers just beyond where a 
lot of cattle were thought to have been let loose as a de- 
coy. The camp-fires of the enemy were still burning, 
indicating a strong picket. 

After the destruction of the bridge, the troops that 
had been pushed forward recrossed on a plank that had 
been left for them, and just as this had been accom- 
plished three carriages were discerned coming from the 
direction of Port Hudson, the first apparently containing 
females, and directly behind the carriages a squad of 
rebel soldiers, but two or three shells from our artillery 
sent them fleeing to the woods for cover. 

The work of the expedition accomplished, it returned 
to the city, reaching there about eleven in the forenoon, 
after having experienced rather a pleasant excitement, 
which varied the monotony of ordinary garrison duty. 

During all this time we experienced the sobering and 
sometimes depressing effects caused by comrades con- 
stantly falling out of the ranks by death. One who was 
with us yesterday some morning would fail to respond 
to the usual roll call, and later in the day a few taps of 
the drum, a final prayer, a parting volley, announced 
that another brother or son or husband was being laid 
at rest far away from home and friends. 

The following extract from the diary of Sergeant Nel- 
son was only a single record out of many: "Yesterday 
another comrade, M. F. Jewett, received his final dis- 
charge. It is about three weeks since he was fit for 
duty, but ambitious to go with the company he went 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 97 

to Port Hudson when he should have remained in camp. 
Always at his post, never flinching from any duty, we 
could hardly have lost a better man. To-day he and 
another member of the regiment from Company E were 
laid away beneath the quiet shade of a green bay tree 
to await the final call. Dr. Spaulding of Newbury- 
port, chaplain of the 48th, conducted the services. The 
affecting prayer and remarks coming from one whose 
voice so many had heard at home, the muffled drum, the 
solemn dirge of the band, the low descending sun closing 
a beautiful summer day, embalmed on our memories a 
feeling and heartfelt sympathy for our dead comrade 
and his parents and brothers and sisters at home, for we 
know that the next mail will carry tidings that will strike 
like lead in their bosoms." 

General Dudley, although a strict disciplinarian, was 
always very popular, and some good stories were told of 
him, of which the following is an example: *"Not long 
ago he was out riding near the picket guard when he dis- 
covered one who did not do his duty quite up to the 
general's idea, so he dismounted and ordered the man 
to get into the saddle, ride up the road, turn and come 
back at the animal's best pace, all of which was accord- 
ingly done; and just as the horse and the rider were upon 
the general he called out at the top of his voice, 'Halt!' 
The horse did not move a single step after the order, but 
Mike continued to travel about ten feet farther, when he 
landed on the tip end of his nose. 'That's the way to 
do guard duty, and don't forget it,' said General Dudley, 
and he rode away." 

Another time he had a long conversation with one of 
the outposts regarding the conduct of the war, the differ- 
ent commanders, and General Dudley in particular. It 
was night, and for a long time Pat did not know who was 
talking to him, but by the light of a match, as he was 
firing up his dudeen, that black eye and blacker mous- 

* From the diary of Sergeant Nelson. 



98 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

tache were before him, and jumping to his feet he brought 
his musket to the present and sung out, "Old Dudley by 
the Rock of Dundas." 

April 22. Dr. French, the assistant surgeon, died and 
was buried near sunset, the first and only commis- 
sioned officer of the regiment that lost his life during the 
campaign, but filling the grave of a patriot with as much 
glory as if he had been shot in battle. 

The month of April wore away with no unusual occur- 
rence after the expedition to Bayou Monticeno till May 
2d, when Grierson's cavalry arrived from Tennessee. The 
weather had been hot and sultry, and the men were occu- 
pied in strengthening the defences, cutting wood, doing 
ordinary guard duty and in a measure relieved from 
fatiguing drills; but on the 2d day of May a cavalry- 
man approached the advanced picket and announced 
that a force of about one thousand Union cavalry, under 
General Grierson, was approaching, having made a forced 
march from Tennessee through Mississippi in sixteen days. 

The first announcement was received with some dis- 
trust, but clouds of dust in the distance soon dispelled 
the doubt, and all were filled with enthusiasm as they 
beheld the travel-stained array of horsemen entering the 
city escorting many prisoners, and accompanied by a 
numerous procession of contrabands. It was rather 
a motley train covered with dust, presenting the appear- 
ance of hardened veterans rather than a glittering line 
on dress parade. The carriages and coaches and negroes 
that followed in the rear of the cavalry were very much 
in evidence that no very sacred regard had been paid to 
private property. The march had indeed been full of 
thrilling excitement and adventure, for General Grierson 
with his men had swept down like a whirlwind six hun- 
dred miles from Tennessee through the enemy's country, 
destroying bridges, cutting railroads, corraling prisoners 
and leaving in his wake a track of dazed and panic- 
stricken rebels. Up to this time it was probably the 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 99 

most adventurous and daring raid of the war. The force, 
arriving at an opportune time, were of great service, and 
remained until after the fall of Port Hudson. 
Account of Comrade Eustis: 

"May 2. To-day members of Company E were on 
picket duty on the Greenville road, about two miles 
north. The company was under command of Lieut. 
H. M. Warren. The writer was in charge of the outer 
picket post of three men. The cavalry picket had one 
man sixty rods in front, and the company reserve was 
one-half mile in the rear. At about ten o'clock a.m. a 
cavalryman put in an appearance in front of the picket 
post. As he did not seem disposed to fire, our cavalry 
picket brought his rifle to 'arms port.' The stranger 
approached, bid us all good morning, tied his horse to a 
tree, sat down on a log and told his story. He belonged 
to the 7th Illinois Cavalry and was with the 6th Illinois 
Cavalry, a brigade in command of Colonel Grierson, in 
Grant's army. The company to which the man belonged 
left Tennessee seventeen days previously and passed 
through the north part of Mississippi, crossed into Louisi- 
ana above Port Hudson, arrived within three miles of 
the picket post the night before, destroying railroads, 
bridges, etc., en route. 

"The cavalryman had left the camp in the morning and 
started out on his own hook for Baton Rouge. In one 
hour the two cavalry companies stationed in Baton 
Rouge appeared. They passed by the picket post and 
then marched to ascertain the truth of the man's story. 
At three o'clock p.m. they returned, escorting Grierson's 
cavalry brigade, consisting of nine hundred men, four 
cannon, ten wagons (which they had picked up for ambu- 
lances), several hundred negroes, horses, mules, etc.; 
they also had about one hundred prisoners, a rebel 
cavalry company which had been on duty in rear of Port 
Hudson. The prisoners were captured on the previous 
afternoon." 



100 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

During the last five weeks spent in Baton Rouge the 
heat was so excessive the men were generally excused 
from drill and required to do but little work other than 
guard and picket duty. A detail from the latter service 
was generally welcomed with pleasure, for it meant a 
march out into the country, and remaining there twenty- 
four hours amid new scenes; the men relieved in a measure 
from the restraint and monotony of ordinary camp life. 
On such occasions there was apt to be a little of adven- 
ture and some excitement. A very good illustration of 
the pleasures of this kind of service occurred on the 4th 
of May, when the Companies C and G were sent on the 
Clinton road making camp and stacking arms in an attrac- 
tive spot amid pleasant scenery and in the grateful shade 
of noble old trees. The rapid growth of vegetation has 
been wonderful. Corn is as high as one's head. Pota- 
toes are in bloom, and peas and beans and strawberries 
are now in the market, and the peach, quince and fig are 
beginning to fruit. The trees that abound here are the 
gum tree, bay and cotton trees, the oak and magnolia, 
the latter filling the air with the sweet-scented perfume 
of its fragrant blossoms. The earth has burst forth with 
all the wealth of tropical luxuriance, but the ordinary 
native about here is wretchedly thriftless, living in 
dilapidated dwellings, although frequently possessing con- 
siderable property. Just such an establishment near our 
post to-day afforded a good opportunity to observe the 
life on the farm or plantation in Louisiana. The children 
running about the yard, ragged, dirty and unkempt, 
fairly represent the condition of everything about the 
place. The house is ruinous and unpainted, little better 
than a shanty, unattractive and slovenly within and 
without. A few tumbled-down sheds answer the pur- 
pose of barns. Hogs are rooting under the trees. A 
herd of sixteen cows, a numerous flock of sheep, and 
horses and carriages about the yard indicate that the 
owner is a man of considerable substance. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 101 

With his unthrifty habits and thriftless neighbors he 
knows nothing better, and perhaps in a certain way gets 
more out of Hfe than his restless and discontented brother 
at the North, whose nervous activity is worrying him 
through the years, eager to keep well up toward the 
head of the procession. 

The day was enlivened by the approach of a flag of 
truce and a squad of rebel cavalry, whereupon Company 
G went on outpost duty while Company C remained on 
the reserve. It was also interesting to watch the occu- 
pants of several carriages as they were allowed to come 
within the line from the country and go to the city, now 
and then getting glimpses of a rustic maid, for it was 
observed that almost every one w^ho came in was a woman, 
and some of them were on horseback. The carriages were 
in all stages of decrepitude, from the old ark ready to fall 
to pieces like the "doctor's one-horse shay" to the ven- 
erable coach which had seen better days, but still kept 
up an air of respectability. 

One interesting descendant of Ham who entertained 
us was a colored gentleman, a former slave near Port 
Hudson, and endowed with some of the piquant imagina- 
tion which is apt to be most exuberant in races whose 
blood is heated by a tropical sun. With what seeming 
honesty he told the story that his former massa had 
applied to him a hundred lashes only because he sat 
down and sucked a piece of sugar cane, and then there 
was a combination of vindictiveness and piety in the 
fellow which in a white man would seem incongruous. 
It was his desire that all the massas should be killed, 
and he expected the land was to be parceled out among 
the blacks. It was his belief that the people would 
march up to Port Hudson and "take it just as dey would 
eat bread. Blood was in der hearts and dey see just one 
ting, dere massas." He said "dat Mr. Linkum sent 
word for dem to pray for him and they did pray." 

May 8, 9 and 10. Heavy firing in the direction of Port 



102 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

Hudson, and the passage of the mortar fleet up the river 
on the 8th indicate that active operations are about to 
commence. 

May 11. At dress parade this evening orders were 
read for the regiment to be in line at four o'clock to- 
morrow morning in light marching order. This was the 
last night the regiment spent in Baton Rouge. Com- 
pany H remained to do provost duty. The sick were 
left in the hospital and about the camp, and from time 
to time those of the men disabled by disease and wounds 
returned, but to most of us this was the end of camp 
life, and on the morrow, so far at least as the 50th Regi- 
ment was concerned, the campaign opened which ended 
in the fall of Port Hudson and the opening of the Missis- 
sippi, freeing the "Father of Waters" to go once more 
unvexed to the sea. 

The three months spent in Baton Rouge were filled 
with many pleasant and sad memories. The numerous 
new-made graves on the knoll under the trees used for 
burial purposes attested the fatal effect of climate and 
exposure and hardship upon our unacclimated men. The 
seeds of malaria permeated the system and bore fruit 
during years to come. The big guns heard up the river 
during the last few days have stirred the l)lood and 
thrilled the ardor of the boys to white heat. A distant 
cannonade, like martial music, excites enthusiasm among 
both brave men and cowards. 




SAMUEL W. DUNCAN GEORGE W. EDWARDS 

Capt. Co. F, 50th Mass. Cant. Co. G, 50th Mass. 

CYRUS HOBBS 

Capt. Co. H, 50th Mass. 

NICHOLAS POWER JOHN G. BARNES 

Capt. Co. I, 50th Mass. Capt. Co. K, 50th Mass. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 103 



CHAPTER X 

MARCH TO white's BAYOU OR BLACK CREEK — GUARDING 

THE BRIDGE AT THAT PLACE MARCH FROM WHITE 'S 

BAYOU TO PORT HUDSON — REVISITING WHITE 'S 
BAYOU AND BAYOU MONTICENO IN 1897 

TUESDAY, May 12. The adjutant was making an 
early round this morning, arousing the orderlies, 
directing them to have men equipped and in line 
for an early start. It was about four o'clock when the 
brigade wheeled out onto the Clinton road on the line of 
march for White's Bayou, ten miles distant, accompanied 
by a section of the 5th Regular Battery and two regi- 
ments of cavalry, arriving there about noon. The 50th 
Regiment with the artillery remained to guard the bridge 
at the bayou while the rest of the brigade and the Illi- 
nois cavalry proceeded towards Clinton to destroy the 
Port Hudson and Clinton Railroad bridge. The Louisiana 
cavalry regiment went out and exchanged shots with 
the rebel cavalry, wounding two of them. 

The following extracts are from the journal of Com- 
rade Andrews of Company A: 

"May 13. We are still as we were yesterday. Last 
night about midnight it began to rain, and we made for 
the woods as best we could for shelter, but could not 
sleep. 

"May 14. It is still raining. Many of us have made 
roofs for shelter from the bark of trees. This worked 
well till the sun came out, when the bark curled and we 
were obliged to convert our roofs into floors. The Illi- 
nois cavalry went up the road to-day and drove in the 
rebel pickets, and discovered a bridge four or five miles 
from here which the rebels had burned. They returned 



104 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

in the afternoon, and reported the enemy in force on the 
other side of the bridge. 

*' May 16. Several of us were detailed to-day for special 
service and made a raid on Baldwin's plantation, bring- 
ing in sixty-four bales of cotton. The Illinois cavalry 
accompanied us, but did not get back to camp till after 
dark, having returned by another road. 

''May 17. Fresh meat soup to-day for dinner, being 
the first fresh meat we have had since the middle of 
March. 

"May 18. Company A went out on a raid to-day in 
pursuit of a company of rebel soldiers, but we couldn't 
locate them, a negro informing us that they had gone to 
Clinton. On our way back to camp we brought with 
us nearly all of Tom Brown's slaves. He was a seces- 
sionist and had served three months in the rebel army 
and was at the battle of Baton Rouge, and the negroes 
say that he ran his horse thirty miles before he stopped, 
nearly killing him. Mr. Brown came out and pleaded 
with the negroes not to go with us. Captain Putnam 
told him that he should compel none of them to go, that 
they could do as they wished, but that they must decide 
in one-half hour. Mr. Brown was now re-enforced by a 
woman with a little child pleading that the 'niggers' 
all belonged to this little orphan girl and that they were 
all the property she had. She told them they had better 
remain on the plantation, as the smallpox and measles 
were raging fearfully in Baton Rouge. 

"We soon started for camp, accompanied by a motley 
band of colored people of all ages. The oldest men and 
women and some babies rode in the wool carts and 
carriages of all descriptions, while all who were able 
marched to Baton Rouge, where they were put into the 
contraband camp, shouting on their march that they 
were going 'to join Massa Linkum's soldiers; the day of 
jubilee was come. Hallelujah.' 

"May 19. An alarm was sounded last night and all 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 105 

companies but Company A went out on the line ready 
for action, but it proved to be a false alarm." 

Extracts from the journal of Otis E. Sheldon of Com- 
pany F: 

"May 13. The place is called Burley Bayou at Black 
Creek Bridge. About noon Major Hodges and twenty 
cavalry went up the road to drive in the rebel pickets. 
They had a skirmish and killed four men and three 
horses. Camp was aroused about midnight by the firing 
of two shots. 

"May 14. The cavalry returned from Dudley's and 
then went up the road, breaking up the rebel camp, but 
finding the enemy in force above returned. 

"May 15. About noon a few of us were detailed as 
guards on stores, and went over to the main camp on 
the Port Hudson road. It rained hard and we did not 
return till ten thirty p.m. The road and parts of the 
camp were flooded, and I was so tired that I dropped 
beside the fire, and when I awoke my boots were so burned 
that they were of no further use." 

When the march was made from Baton Rouge on the 
12th, those who were sick and feeble were left behind, 
subsequently joining the regiment from time to time. 
Among them was Sergeant Nelson, in whose interesting 
diary appears the following account: 

"May 23. Stirring times, soldiers are arriving and 
departing constantly. Transport after transport filled 
with soldiers, steamer after steamer loaded with bat- 
teries, are headed towards Port Hudson. Without doubt 
this matter is to be settled definitely this time. The 
anxious look of the inhabitants as they stand at the 
corners of the streets looking at us is so noticeable that 
all speak of it. No wonder; a large part of the force 
inside of the works are from Baton Rouge and its 
vicinity. Somebody is going to get hurt before long, 
and it is hard telling where the blow will fall. Already 
blood has been shed. For several days past wounded 



106 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

men and prisoners have been sent down to be taken 
care of. Prisoners continue on their journey and find 
safe quarters, board included, down below. Camps for 
the wounded are being established all over the city and 
outside among the groves. Churches are taken, so also 
are a number of the large private residences converted 
into hospitals and used for our necessities. 

"May 25. This morning ten of us fellows bade adieu 
to Baton Rouge, and with our arms in our hands fought 
our way to White's Bayou. The road led us through a 
wooded country of about ten miles. The entire distance 
was broken but two or three times by a clearing where 
stood a deserted and vacated plantation. This whole 
country would properly be called debatable ground, and 
everything that could be of any possible use to either 
side has been taken, and the condition of things in gen- 
eral can be well imagined. As our time was not very 
valuable and the day was before us, our halts were nu- 
merous. All the uninhabited dwellings were looked over, 
and their probable cost and present value estimated. 
We made a long stop at a blacksmith's shop; it would 
have been called the 'village smithy' if there had been 
a village near. Here we dined. As I trod the well-worn 
plank and looked upon the social anvil and the warm- 
hearted forge, I thought of Mr. Pettingill, and how 
much solid comfort he would take gazing on these piles 
of scrap iron. 

" On my way up I made my first acquaintance with a 
copperhead snake. Their peculiarities are of such a na- 
ture that most people give them a wide berth. About 
four o'clock we arrived in camp; our reception for pri- 
vates was highly honorable. The last twenty feet of 
our march was a perfect ovation of hard-bread boxes 
and empty bottle accompaniments. 

"The camp is situated on the southern side of the creek. 
The bridge crossing it is called White's. At the present 
time the ravine is as dry as dust. For quite a distance 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 107 

either way the trees have been felled to afford protection 
to our men, and prevent the progress of the rebels. The 
section of a battery holds the bridge, and pickets are 
out on guard throughout the twenty-four hours. For 
the first few days after the regiment arrived here, the 
enemy was seen every day, but it would appear now 
that everything is concentrated at Port Hudson as they 
are so quiet. The men are camped in squads, and the 
whole looks like a huge gypsy encampment. I feel bet- 
ter so soon, and if all the invalids at Baton Rouge would 
come up here and stop just two weeks, every man would 
be able to eat his rations. 

" May 26. Butters comes up every day with sutlers' 
stores, luxuries so to speak. All respect for shoulder 
straps is lost while Butters's load lasts. The best man 
is the broadest shouldered one. In a few minutes you 
will hear one and another telling how much he brought 
away. The men find a few straggling cattle round about, 
which are always taken if possible, and a very respectable 
living is eked out. Captain Barnes is officer of the day. 
In the evening he was desirous of showing me how effi- 
cient the guard were, and about midnight we called 
around. If the captain has a weakness it is to show off 
the guard when he is captain of the day. I remember 
one night at Boxford camp, many moons ago, that we 
invited guests walked over the line and around the senti- 
nel and crossed again, and all the guard said to us was 
a remark that he thought we were having a good time. 
The guard to-night seemed to have much the same idea 
of us. It is well for the 50th that no rebel forces are in 
close proximity to them. 

" The members of this regiment are congratulating them- 
selves to-day on their good fortune in thus being kept 
here to protect Baton Rouge, while less favored ones are 
before Port Hudson, liable to all kinds of misfortunes 
and indignities from the hands of the rebels. We were 
all in this happy, complacent frame of mind until about 



108 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

three o'clock, when a courier rode gayly into camp as 
unexpected as a thunder shower, with the written com- 
pliments of General Dudley, requesting our immediate 
presence before Port Hudson. The bugle and drum 
called in everything. Horses were saddled, blankets 
rolled up, and in less than an hour the regiment was on 
the march. The cooks and a few to assist them were 
left to bring up the rear, following as fast as they could. 
This sudden move takes us all by surprise. If the attack 
has not already commenced it will, just as soon as all 
the forces are concentrated, and we know that we are 
about the last to be called in. In view of this seeming 
fact there are men in the regiment who take a business 
view of the future and calculate on the chances. I saw 
one able-bodied man, not of Company K, who had a 
very sudden rush of blood to his head. In no mild mood 
his captain told him to act according to his judgment, 
but at the same time expressed his opinion of cowards 
and skulkers in general. The poor man rolled up his 
blanket and I suppose found his way back to Baton 
Rouge. But very few were left. 

"Through a wild, unfrequented bypath we went until 
about sundown, and during the whole afternoon we 
passed but one house and this stood alone far from 
neighbors and entirely deserted, save by the old family 
cat. About dusk we came out on the Port Hudson road 
that we traveled over last March at a time when a heavy 
dew was falling. Here we were enabled to fill our can- 
teens and travel as before. Such clouds of dust rolled 
up that we were almost suffocated. Occasionally we 
met black men or somebody belonging to the army, and 
the question was always asked, 'How far to Port Hud- 
son?' Answers, 'Just two miles,' 'Just five miles,' 'About 
eight miles, I reckon.' When we had but two miles to 
go our spirits arose; when it was told us that about eight 
miles would bring us before the walls our spirits fell. 
Over this long dull road we passed the Plains' store, once 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 109 

a noted spot. Here was situated the post office, the 
grocery store and Masonic Hall. Here was fought a 
few days ago a battle. The relics of the fight remain in 
the shape of broken gun-carriages and dead artillery 
horses. The air is unpleasant to breathe, and we pass 
over the ground as fast as possible. We pass here the 
Indiana Jackass Battery, each piece being drawn by 
six mules. The guns are monstrous, and will carry a 
missile so far that I cannot remember the distance. One 
negro follower said that they would carry a ball ten miles, 
and he wouldn't take anything off. At each halt, which 
occurred as often as every thirty minutes, the men 
dropped on the ground and were asleep in less time than 
I can say it. I saw men marching in the ranks fast 
asleep; nothing but discipline could keep them together, 
so tired are they, but at the roll of the drum all were 
in their places and moving on. About eleven o'clock we 
were told that we were in the immediate vicinity of Port 
Hudson. A halt was ordered, and behind our gun stacks 
we spread our blankets and were instantly asleep." 

The regiment lay encamped two weeks at White's 
Bayou, holding the bridge so that the Confederates could 
make no advance on Baton Rouge from the direction of 
Clinton. General Augur, the division commander, was 
said to have asked General Dudley what force he had to 
hold White's Bridge, and the latter's answer was said 
to have been, " A Massachusetts regiment that will hold 
it against any brigade the rebels can send against it." 
While the regiment remained here there were stationed 
with them a section of the 5th Regular Battery and a 
squad of cavalry, and take it all in all the life of those 
two weeks was a rather pleasant one, and especially so 
when compared with the hardships and dangers expe- 
rienced the next few weeks during the siege and assaults 
on Port Hudson. In the first place the location itself 
was an interesting one for that country. There was just 
enough of danger to keep up a sufficient amount of in- 



110 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

terest and not enough to produce anxiety. In the spring 
of 1897 the writer revisited this spot and spent a de- 
hghtful hour at White's Bayou. Leaving Baton Rouge 
at eight in the morning with a horse and buggy and 
colored driver he made a short stop at Bayou Monticeno. 
It will be remembered that a house stood back from the 
road on the right-hand side, a little before reaching the 
bayou, occupied at that time and still occupied by a 
family named Adams, the present proprietor then being 
a young man in the Confederate Army. On approaching 
the front gate Mr. Adams came out, and learning that 
he was being addressed by an old Union soldier, who had 
been there during the war, received him very cordially 
and volunteered to accompany him over the ground. 
Thirty-four years had elapsed since the regiment had 
encamped at Monticeno, and yet almost everything looked 
natural in the immediate neighborhood. There was the 
same wooded knoll on the left where we had passed such 
an uncomfortable night in March, 1863, fragrant now 
with magnolia blossoms, the trees all decked with the 
young green foliage of spring. The earthworks where 
the battery had been stationed still stood on the right. 
It would have been quite natural to have believed that 
the lapse of time during the thirty-four years had been 
but a dream. There were only wanting the blast of the 
bugle, the roll of the drum, the blue uniforms, the stacked 
arms, the parked artillery and the murmuring buzz of 
a camp to have restored the past as an event of yester- 
day. After a pleasant half hour spent in recalling old 
memories, we reluctantly turned away and resumed our 
journey, after taking leave of this courteous southern 
gentleman. The magnificent forests through which we 
had marched in 1863 had largely disappeared; still there 
were some fine patches of woods. Magnolias, gum and 
pecan trees, live oaks, pin oaks, white oaks and numer- 
ous other varieties, including ash and walnut, attested 
the strength and fertility of the soil. The palmettos 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 111 

growing up from the ground gave the country in places 
a semi-tropical appearance, and then the gray waving 
moss floating from many of the trees was a pleasant re- 
minder of the olden time. If Monticeno looked natural, 
White's Bayou, if possible, looked even more so. The 
woods on the west side of the road were gone. There 
was the bridge and the same open fields on each side of 
the road south of it, and the same trees under which the 
men were encamped. Going about from tree to tree, it 
was very interesting to observe the initials that the boys 
had carved in the bark almost as fresh as when cut a 
generation ago. And then several of the old residents, 
who were remembered as having been there in 1863, 
still lived in the neighborhood and extended a welcome 
greeting as to old acquaintances. The first man to ap- 
pear was that same Thomas Brown who has been pre- 
viously referred to as the planter whose slaves had 
deserted the old plantation with Captain Putnam and 
Company A. 

Leaving the bayou and pursuing our journey, we drove 
over the same road through the woods to the Plains' 
store where we had marched thirty-four years before. 
The store was still there as in 1863, and for a generation 
the hands upon the face of the clock of time had appar- 
ently stood still. 

The traditions of the siege of Port Hudson are pre- 
served by all the inhabitants living thereabouts. The 
old families very generally remain, and in many instances 
the children of the people we met are still there. Other 
well-remembered houses are gone, the slaves had dis- 
appeared and the plantations were deserted. 

A pathetic example of the changes that had taken place 
from the vicissitudes of war and the lapse of time was 
illustrated by the appearance of the place where General 
Banks had established his headquarters on the 14th of 
March, 1863, when the advance was made on Port Hud- 
son at the time Farragut forced a passage up the river. 



112 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

A few shacks only remain to mark the spot. The man- 
sion house was gone. Where the negro cabins had stood 
was an open field. The proprietor had been shot. The 
scene of former opulence was desolate indeed. But 
near by a more attractive picture was presented to view. 
A short distance beyond the schoolhouse we drove up 
to the house where the blind man had lived on that Sun- 
day afternoon when we rested on our return to Bayou 
Monticeno. The blind man had paid the last debt of 
nature, but his daughter, a comely matron, greeted us 
cordially, and when she learned the story of our former 
visit we were treated as old friends. Everywhere the 
same kindly feeling was exhibited towards us. 

After guarding the bridge at White's Bayou for two 
weeks, on May 26 the regiment received orders to break 
camp and join the main army, so about three o'clock in 
the afternoon, leaving a small squad to guard the camp 
equipage, the troops defiled through the woods over a 
crossroad to the Baton Rouge and Bayou Sara road, 
and after a weary march of between eight and nine hours 
reached the vicinity of Port Hudson, stacked their guns 
and threw their exhausted bodies on the ground to snatch 
a little sleep in preparation for the events of the ensuing 
day. On the march this evening the Plains' store was 
passed where occurred the skirmish of the 21st, attested 
by broken gun-carriages and the carcasses of dead artil- 
lery horses which filled the air with a sickening odor. 



Headquarters United States Forces, 
Camp on Merritt's Plantation, May 12, 1863, 5 p.m. 

I have the honor to report, for the information of the major 
general commanding, that I left camp at Baton Rouge with the 
forces assigned me, in orders of yesterday's date, twenty minutes 
before five o'clock a.m. this morning, and proceeded along the 
CUnton road unmolested mitil my advanced cavalry picket, vmder 
command of Captain Godfrey, reached a point near Cypress Bayou, 
near the sawmill, when an advanced mounted picket of the enemy, 




A.B. 

E-S. 



C. D— Bcdonbts. 
>nth Bjftion 



POLT nUDSOX. 

&iplanations : 

I 

I to Q— BAttei ia«. 



F— East BftstioD. 
G, H— Large fort*. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 113 

some thirty strong, developed themselves in front by a volley 
discharged at a distance of some 400 yards at Captain Godfrey's 
cavalry, which was returned and kept up at a distance varying 
from 300 to 500 yards for nearly four miles. From information 
gained from residents on the road and comparatively intelligent 
blacks, together by the indications of horses having been picketed 
during the night, I think the cavalry force west of White's Bayou 
could not have been less than about 200. I pursued them some 
distance beyond the bridge which crosses White's Bayou with the 
small cavalry force at my disposal, and one piece of Arnold's battery. 
Not wishing to develop my strength to the enemy until Colonel 
Grierson had passed, I deemed it prudent to return, and proceed 
to the point I originally intended to occupy to-night. On re- 
crossing White's Bayou bridge I left Colonel Messer with the whole 
of the 50th Massachusetts Volunteers, one section of Arnold's 
battery, and twenty cavalry strongly posted, with instructions to 
hold the same; if assailed by too strong a party to destroy the 
bridge, which would only inconvenience cavalry and retard artillery 
for a short time. I find my maps very incorrect. There is no 
road crossing the one rvmning from near White's (Black's Creek 
called by some) Bayou to Bayou Sara. With the exception of a 
small quantity of water in tliis bayou, there is no water on the 
route up to this point for a command one-eighth the size of this. 
I expected to find abundance of water in the bayou crossing the road 
between this point and the Clinton road, but it was entirely dry. 
This necessarily compelled me to come to this place, which made my 
march to-day seventeen miles. My advance regiment, notwithstand- 
ing the delay caused by a cautious march in the forenoon, got into 
camp at one o'clock. Mr. Merritt, a party who took the oath of 
allegiance a few days since at Baton Rouge, informs me that the 
enemy has a bridge on this road beyond the Port Hudson road. 
He got his information from the enemy's pickets that came out 
this morning. 

I am bivouacked in a belt of timber with an open area on all 
sides of my forces, a deep gully running through the center which 
can be used as a cover for my infantry if pushed. I feel confident 
that I can hold my position against twice my own force if attacked. 

Since crossing Cypress Bayou our advance guard has hardly 
been out of sight of the enemy's scouts. They are evidently on 
the wide-awake lookout for the Illinois cavalry. 

The only casualty during the day has been the wounding of 
one horse of Godfrey's cavalry. One prisoner belonging to the 
Tennessee cavalry was captured by Lieutenant Carlton in a hand- 
to-hand conflict. The men of the several corps have nobly stood 



114 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

the day's march, especially the last two hours, with the hot sun 
on their backs, no shade for some five miles, and the dust almost 
intolerable. Not over ten men fell to the rear during the march. 
No information of Colonel Grierson's command up to this hour. 

I am, sir, respectfully, 

Your obedient servant, 

N. A. M. DUDLEY, 
Colonel and Acting Brigadier-General Commanding. 
Captain Halsted, 

Assistant Adjutant General. 



Report of Col. Nathan A. M. Dudley, 30th Massa- 
chusetts Infantry, commanding 3d Brigade, 1st Division, 
19th Army Corps: 



Camp on Merritt's Plantation, May 14, 1863. 

Sir: Colonel Grierson, with his command, has just returned 
from a scout on the Clinton road. He left camp with about 350 
men, taking his small pieces with him. Crossing the road leading 
from Alexander's plantation to the Clinton plank road, near White's 
Bayou, he passed Colonel Messer's camp, en route to Clinton, and 
reaching a point about one and one-half miles west of Redwood 
Creek, his advance came upon the pickets of the enemy. He 
drove them back into the rifle pits which they had constructed on 
the west side of Redwood Bridge. Here they made considerable 
of a stand, firing with rifles. As no infantry tracks were discovered 
after crossing, Colonel Grierson is of the opinion that the rifle pits 
were occupied by dismounted cavalry. He fired several shots 
from his light guns, which soon drove them out. After crossing 
the bridge, four companies, two mounted and two dismounted, 
proceeded on about one mile, at which point the advance party 
met fully an equal force of cavalry to liis owti. At this place they 
discovered on the road the tracks of what were supposed to be four 
pieces of artillery. This supposition was strengthened by in- 
formation gained on the road. One company of infantry was 
down the road as a support to the rebel picket last night. Colonel 
Grierson goes to town this evening. He expressed a great desire 
to take his command with him. I trust the commanding officer 
will not reduce the force imder my command. I have to guard 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 115 

the Springfield Landing, Bayou Sara and Clinton roads, and I do 
not think I have a man to spare. The Illinois troops can recruit 
here better in my opinion than at Baton Rouge. 
I am, sir, respectfully, 

Your obedient servant, 

N. A. M. DUDLEY, 
Colonel and Acting Brigadier-General Commanding. 

Capt. George R. Halsted, 

Assistant Adjutant General. 

Now that the regiment has reached the spot where the 
campaign was to culminate, it may be well to go back 
and briefly review the causes and events that led up to 
the fortification of Port Hudson by the Confederates, 
and to its capture by the Federals. 



116 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 



CHAPTER XI 

PORT HUDSON AND ITS FORTIFICATIONS — ACCOUNT OF 
THE DEFENCES AS GIVEN BY LIEUTENANT FRERET OF 

THE CONFEDERATE ARMY BATTLE OF PLAINS' STORE 

INVESTMENT OF PORT HUDSON AND ORDER FOR 

ASSAULT ON MAY^ 27 — CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN 
BANKS, GRANT AND HALLECK 

THE Confederate leaders realized the importance of 
maintaining the control of the Lower Mississippi, 
and after the fall of New Orleans they saw how 
necessary it was to keep open communication with the 
Southwest from whence they might expect to draw 
immense supplies with which to feed their armies. The 
state of Texas alone, with its vast area, rich soil and 
illimitable resources, was capable of furnishing an almost 
inexhaustible supply of food, and so at an early day it 
was decided to fortify Port Hudson and Vicksburg, and 
through these great arteries keep in circulation the life- 
blood which reached to the eastern and northern limits of 
the Confederacy. Open the river, and the states would 
be cut in twain, and so the government at Richmond 
determined to seize and fortify these two natural strong- 
holds, and make every possible effort to defend them. 

Port Hudson, a little insignificant village with a few 
scattered houses and a single church, was located at a 
bend in the river, on the east bank, about twenty miles 
above Baton Rouge, connected with Clinton by a rail- 
road, and receiving its importance because it happened 
to be the port to which was shipped by railroad the 
cotton and agricultural supplies of the interior. Nature 
had made it a natural stronghold. The banks were high 
and precipitous. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regimerit 117 

Located as it was the batteries could rake the river 
in both directions. The forces of nature gullied out 
deep and precipitous ravines which protected both flanks 
of the rebel works next the water, through which it 
seemed impossible for an attacking force to make a suc- 
cessful assault without a terrible sacrifice of life. This 
was true of one-half or two-thirds of the Confederate line 
of fortifications. In the center the land was generally- 
level and largely covered with forests. The trees in the 
vicinity of the rebel works had been cut down, forming 
an almost impenetrable chevaux-de-frise, so that an 
assaulting army must penetrate and pass through this 
bristling jungle of fallen trees, and then clamber down 
and up a wide and deep moat which protected the rifle 
pits and batteries on the other side. 

On the 13th of August, 1862, the Confederate Maj.- 
Gen. Earl Vandorn issued an order from Jackson, Miss., 
to General Breckenridge to move his whole force to 
Port Hudson and make dispositions for holding it, and 
to guard roads to Camps Moore and Clinton. Accord- 
ingly direction was given that three days' subsistence for 
four thousand men should be kept constantly on hand 
at Port Hudson, and General Ruggles was commanded 
to throw up fortifications, having by the 21st with him a 
force of about fifteen hundred men in addition to Briga- 
dier-General Bo wen's brigade. On this day Baton Rouge 
was evacuated by the Union forces. The work had pro- 
ceeded so far by August 29 that an engagement took 
place between the United States steamer Anglo-American 
and the Port Hudson batteries, and again on September 7 
with the Essex. 

On August 29 General Vandorn ordered General 
Ruggles to turn over the command to Brig.-Gen. W. N. R. 
Beall, and himself to report at Jackson. 

On the 31st of August, General Beall's report showed 
as present an aggregate of 1,175 troops. There were the 
30th Louisiana and Miles Legions, and of the artillery, 



118 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

Capt. R. M. Boone's company, Capt. R. T. English's 
company, Capt. J. A. Hoskin's company, Capt. G. 
Ralston's companj^, Capt. C. Robert's company, Capt. 
O. J. Semme's company, Capt. A. J. Lewis's company 
and Capt. C. McLaurin's Company. On December 2, 
General Beall had a force present for duty of fifty-five 
hundred. 

December 28, Gen. Frank Gardner had arrived and 
taken command at Port Hudson, where he remained 
until the capitulation the following July. At this time 
the division commanded by Gen. Cuvier Grover at Baton 
Rouge comprised the 1st Brigade — the 6th New York, 
Colonel Wilson; 12th Maine, Colonel Kimball; 22d Maine, 
Col. S. G. Jerrard; 131st New York, Colonel Turnbull; 
2d Brigade — 9th Connecticut, Colonel Cahill; 41st Mas- 
sachusetts, Colonel Chickering; 52d Massachusetts, Colonel 
Greenleaf; 24th Connecticut, Colonel Mansfield; 3d Bri- 
gade — 31st Massachusetts, Colonel Gooding; 25th Con- 
necticut, Colonel Bissell; 26th Maine, Colonel Hubbard; 
159th New York, Colonel Molineux. 

January 7, Gardner's total effective force was 8,239; 
aggregate present 10,422, in addition to 2,500 in Gregg's 
brigade. This did not include the garrisons at Camps 
Moore and Clinton. 

Port Hudson was protected by a line of fortifications 
about four and one-half miles long, beginning on the 
south before the town at Ross Landing and extending 
to Thompson's Creek, about one-half mile above the 
town. There was an enclosed bastion near Ross Land- 
ing on the river bank. At the southeast salient was 
another work, a third one at the junction of the roads 
leading to Baton Rouge and Port Hudson, and there 
was a fourth near Thompson's Creek. 

A very intelligent account of the defences compiled 
from a report made by Lieutenant James Freret, one of 
the defenders of Port Hudson during the siege, is here 
given : 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 119 

"On the north of the fortifications the ground was 
suddenly very much broken, densely wooded and almost 
impassable to Sandy Creek, a branch of Thompson's 
Creek. The occupation of Port Hudson was determined 
upon in July, 1862. General Ruggles began a line of 
detached works eight miles long. This would require 
by military rule a force of defence of 28,000 men, a re- 
serve of 7,000, and seventy pieces of artillery. Accord- 
ingly that line was abandoned as impractical. A change 
of commanders placed Gen. William N. R. Beall in 
charge, and a new and continuous angular line was sur- 
veyed on a contracted scope, connecting two and a 
half miles below Port Hudson and describing a slight 
curve to a point on Sandy Creek one mile back of the 
town. For about three-quarters of a mile the line 
crossed a broken series of ridges, plateaus and ravines. 
For the next mile and a quarter it traversed Slaughter's 
and Gibbon's fields, where a wide level plain seemed 
formed on purpose for a battlefield. Another quai'ter 
of a mile carried it through deep and irregular gullies, 
and for three-quarters of a mile more it led through 
fields and on hills to a deep gorge in the bottom of which 
lay Sandy Creek; thence to the Mississippi was about 
a mile and a half. This was a line four miles and a half 
long, which required by the books 18,000 men to hold, 
including reserves. 

"Through summer and fall a small force of negroes 
was kept at work on that line throwing up breastworks, 
and finally soldiers were called to help. When General 
Banks threatened an attack about the 10th of March, 
1863, the work was still unfinished. Some little activity 
became manifest, so that when the siege was really 
commenced the line had reached the broken grounds to 
the north of the Clinton road. Soon after the gloomy- 
looking Essex floated down opposite us, and went up 
the river again. The water batteries were then in the 
process of excavation. The Essex got ready to go down 



120 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

again, and, taking the Anglo-American on her starboard 
side, ran past at four a.m. Besides the two fieldpieces, 
we opened on her with two forty-two pounders and a 
twenty-pound Parrott that had just arrived. She replied, 
kiUing one of our horses. 

"During the fall and winter heavy guns for winter 
defence arrived and were put in position. A three-pit 
battery was built at the water's edge, and two others 
sixty feet up at the top of the bluff. 

"Gen. Frank Gardner took command on the 27th of 
December, 1862, and immediately ordered changes, par- 
ticularly as regarded subjects of engineering skill. The 
whole system of river defence was altered so as to cluster 
the heaviest guns together, bringing them all within a 
contracted scope, and to support each other. Awakened 
energy was seen on every side, and the spirit of the 
troops was at a high pitch. During the months of Jan- 
uary and February, 1863, the troops arrived in consid- 
erable numbers. Three commands were formed under 
the commands of Generals Beall, Maxey and Gregg. 

"In March a brigade arrived commanded by General 
Rust. About the 10th of March it became known that 
General Banks would make a demonstration of some 
kind. He moved from Baton Rouge with his whole 
force, and we were prepared to meet him on the 14th. 
Rust, in advance, tried to feel of the enemy and draw 
him on, but in vain. General Rust next applied for 
permission to get around Banks's right flank, but was 
refused; meanwhile the Federal fleet moved up the river. 
From the Federal fleet the flagship Hartford, with a gun- 
boat on her port side, came so near to our battery on 
passing that a pistol shot would have taken effect on 
her deck at that moment. Owing to the want of reliable 
friction tubes, we were compelled to use the priming 
horn and port fires, which at best are unreliable on a 
dark night, and the port fires showed our position. 

"After this General Banks commenced his campaign 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 121 

against General Taylor. We were now lacking provi- 
sions and forage was scarce. On the west side the enemy- 
interfered with our transportation, and the Grierson raid 
on the east side stopped the corn from coming in and we 
failed to stop Grierson. Events began to thicken in this 
department. Gen. Joe Johnson ordered Port Hudson 
evacuated; but General Gardner had not got beyond 
Clinton when he found that General Augur had left 
Baton Rouge for Port Hudson and that Banks was com- 
ing by forced marches; so we retreated and the place 
was finally closed in on all sides upon the 21st of May. 

"The approach of General Augur's division from Baton 
Rouge was announced by some slight brushes with our 
cavalry pickets. May 21 skirmished heavily all the 
morning near the Plains' store with Augur's advance. 
More fighting all day; retired at night with the loss of 
four officers and eighty-nine men killed. Friday, May 
22, Colonel Wingfield's cavalry skirmished with the 
advance of General Banks's army moving from Bayou 
Sara, thirteen miles distant. It had been generally 
thought that no attack would ever be attempted through 
the swamp above Port Hudson nor through the heavy 
timber back of the town; but it having become apparent 
that the enemy preferred to overcome the natural ob- 
stacles of the woods rather than the artificial ones in the 
shape of fortifications. General Gardner sent a good por- 
tion of his forces to meet him there, giving the command 
to Colonel Steedman of the 1st Alabama. He had the 
15th, 10th and 18th Arkansas, 1st Alabama and 39th 
Mississippi, also a company of Wingfield's cavalry dis- 
mounted. The left wing had also Herrod's battery and 
a section, a piece of Bradford's and Watson's batteries. 
Rifle pits were hastily dug and the valleys and gorges 
were choked with fallen timber, their only protection." 

General Banks, after the demonstration upon Port 
Hudson in March, when Farragut had run by the rebel 
batteries, returned as has been said to Baton Rouge, and 



122 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

leaving General Dudley with a few regiments to garrison 
the town, made his campaign through the Teche country, 
advancing as far as Alexandria on the Red River. Grant 
was at Vicksburg and Banks was expecting to receive 
assistance and co-operation from him in the reduction of 
Port Hudson, and after the fall of this stronghold he in 
turn proposed to advance with his army to the aid of 
Grant in the capture of Vicksburg. He had arranged 
to reach Bayou Sara by May 25, expecting to be joined 
by a division of 10,000 or 20,000 men coming down the 
Mississippi. 

General Gardner to Pemberton, April 29, 1863: 

"Effective infantry 8,600, artillery 1,700, cavalry 1,400 (includ- 
ing Ponchatoula): total force 11,700." 

General Pemberton to President Davis, May 2, 1863: 

"Unless I am heavily re-enforced I think Port Hudson and 
Grand Gulf should be evacuated, and all concentrated for the 
defence of Vicksburg and Jackson." 

Gardner to Pemberton, May 2, 1863: 

"Emory's raid (Grierson) has successfully passed to Baton 
Rouge. I need more cavalry, and a good commander. Can I 
break up the post at Ponchatoula?" 

Pemberton to Gardner, May 4, 1863: 

"You must come here, and bring 5,000 men with you, Maxey's 
brigade. Call in outposts except cavalry: leave sufficient artillery 
for tlie defence of Port Hudson." 

Davis to Pemberton: 

" Richmond, May 7, 1863. 

"Beauregard cannot spare more than 5,000 sent. Want of 
transportation must compel the enemy to seek again their fleet 
in a few days. To hold both Vicksburg and Port Hudson is neces- 
sary to a connection with Trans-Mississippi." 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 123 

Pemberton to Gardner, May 8, 1863: 

"Return with 2,000 troops to Port Hudson, and hold it to the 
last. President Davis says both places must be held." 

Halleck to Grant, May 11, 1863: 

"If possible, the forces of yourself and General Banks should 
be united between Vicksburg and Port Hudson, so as to attack 
those places separately with the combined forces. The same has 
been urged on General Banks." 

Grant to Banks (extracts): 

"Rocky Springs, Miss., May 10, 1863. 
"It was my intention on gaining a foothold on Grand Gulf to 
have sent a sufficient force to Port Hudson to have insured the 
fall of that place, with your cooperation, or rather to have co- 
operated with you to secure that end. Meeting the enemy how- 
ever, as I did, south of Port Gibson, I followed liim to the Big Black, 
and could not afford to retrace my steps. Many days cannot 
elapse before the battle will begin which is to decide the fate of 
Vicksburg. I would earnestly request, therefore, that you join 
me or send all the forces you can spare to cooperate in the great 
struggle for opening the Mississippi River." 

Banks to Grant, May 12, 1863: 

"I have neither water nor land transportation to join you at 
Vicksburg. The most I can accomplish is to cross the river for 
the purpose of operating with you against Port Hudson. Were it 
within the range of human power, I should join you, for I am dying 
with a kind of vanishing hope to see the armies acting together 
against the strong places of the enemy. We believe that 7,000 
of the enemy have left Arkansas River to join Kirby Smith." 

Banks to Halleck: 

" New Orleans, May, 1863. 

"General Grover's division left Alexandria the 14th; Emory's, 
the 16th; Weitzel probably marched on the 17th, thus concentrat- 
ing all our troops at Simsport about the 20th. We shall move on 
Port Hudson with the best chance of success, and join Grant im- 
mediately after. That is satisfactory to him, and he will send re- 
enforcements to us as proposed earlier, for which, however, we shall 
not wait. Three or four thousand men are disabled from the 
incessant labor of the last six weeks. General Emory will be left 



124 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

in command in New Orleans, and General Sherman wiU be assigned 
to his division. General Augur's forces move to-morrow towards 
Port Hudson." 



Banks to Grant: 

" Alexandria, La., May 13, 1863. 
" Maj.-Gen. Grant, 

Commanding Forces at Vicksburg. 

" I have sent, subsequent to the dispatch of yesterday transmitted 
by Captain Gibbs, a note of this date informing you of my deter- 
mination to join you at all hazards, wdth as little delay as possible. 
There are great difficulties in the way of our movements, but we 
shall overcome them all. My belief is that your first suggestion 
of sending a force to cooperate with us against Port Hudson is best. 
Port Hudson can be reduced without delay and with perfect cer- 
tainty, if you can assist me with from 10,000 to 20,000 men. We 
can then aid you by a force of 25,000, and if Himter joins us with 
still stronger numbers, and furnish supplies, ammunition and 
everytliing necessary for the support of your army and our own, 
from New Orleans, without trouble or delay. I earnestly urge 
upon you the consideration of this subject in this light, but should 
it be impossible to conform with it, I shall move to you as soon as 
possible with the force that I have stated. At best the movements 
against Port Hudson can delay us but a few days, and will not only 
give you our cooperation, but will free yoiu- cavalry from the diffi- 
culties which now prevent its return. My headquarters will be 
at Simsport to-morrow." 

Halleck to Banks: 

" Washington, May 19, 1863. 

"I see by the newspapers that you have Alexandria, and General 
Grant has Jackson. These operations are too eccentric. I urge 
that you unite with General Grant as soon as possible. I have no 
troops to re-enforce. He must concentrate his forces, and not 
move east till he gets control of the Mississippi River." 

Johnson to Gardner: 

" C.S.A. Camp, near Vernon, Miss., May 19, 1863. 

"Vicksburg is invested. Evacuate Port Hudson forthwith, and 
move towards Jackson. Bring all but heavy guns and their 
ammunition, which destroy." 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 125 

Banks to Grant, May 18, 1863: 

" My belief is that your first suggestion of sending a force to co- 
operate with us against Port Hudson is best. Port Hudson can 
be reduced certainly, and without delay, if you can assist us with 
10,000 or 20,000 men. The moral effects on Vicksburg of the re- 
duction of this post and the jvmction of our forces will be great." 

Grant to Banks, May 25, 1863: 

"I now have Vicksburg invested, and can hold the enemy or 
whip him if he comes out. The place is so strongly fortified that 
it must be taken by an assault, and great sacrifice of life, or a regular 
siege. I have determined to adopt the latter course, and save my 
men. The greatest danger is that the enemy may collect a force 
outside, and attempt to rescue the garrison. When I began writ- 
ing this, it was my intention to propose sending you 10,000 men to 
cooperate with you in taking Port Hudson, but while writing a 
courier came in from my cavalry, saying that a force of the enemy 
was now thirty miles northeast of here, so it is imprudent for me 
to send away any men. I would be pleased. General, to have you 
come with such force as you are able to spare. I am in hopes this 
letter will find you in possession of Port Hudson." 

Halleck to Banks: 

" Washington, May 23, 1863. 
"General: Your dispatches dated Opelousas, May 2 and 4, are 
just received. I regret to learn from them that you are still pur- 
suing your divergent line to Alexandria, while General Grant has 
moved on Jackson, instead of concentrating with him on the east 
side of the Mississippi, as you proposed in your previous dispatch, 
and as I have continually urged. If these eccentric movements, 
with the main forces of the enemy on the Mississippi River, do not 
lead to some serious disaster, it will be because the enemy does not 
take full advantage of his opportunity. I assure you the govern- 
ment is exceedingly disappointed that you and General Grant are 
not acting in conjunction. I thought to secure that object by 
authorizing you to assume the entire command as soon as you and 
General Grant could imite. The opening of the Mississippi River 
has been continually presented as the first and most important 
object to be attained. Operations up the Red River, towards 
Texas or towards Alabama, are only of secondary importance, to 
be undertaken after we get possession of the river and as circum- 
stances may then require. If we fail to open the river, these second- 
ary operations will result in very little of military importance. 



126 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

I have continually urged these views upon General Grant, and I 
do hope there will be no further delay in adopting them. If Grant 
should alone succeed in beating the enemy and capturing Vicks- 
burg, all will be well, but if he should be defeated and fail, both 
the armies will be paralyzed, and the entire campaign a failure. I 
can well imderstand that you have great obstacles to overcome 
with inadequate means; but you have had all the means we could 
possibly give you, and if you succeed the glory will be so much the 
greater." 

Dana to Stanton: 

" Behind Vicksburg, May 26, 1863. 
"General Grant last night sent a staff officer to General Banks 
urging him to bring his forces here as promptly as practicable, and 
assuring him that he (Grant) would gladly serve under him as his 
superior in rank, or simply cooperate with him, for the benefit of 
the common cause, if he should prefer that course." 

Dana to Stanton, May 20, 1863: 

"At General Grant's request went down to see General Banks, 
but meeting Gi-ant's previous messenger, I returned. Banks has 
invested Port Hudson, and declined to send any force here." 

On May 21 was fought the battle at Plains' store by 
General Augur's division, in which all the regiments of 
General Dudley's brigade participated except the 50th, 
which had been left to guard the bridge at White's 
Bayou. This skirmish, which lasted several hours, re- 
sulted in driving the enemy back towards Port Hudson, 
with a loss on our side of 15 killed, 71 wounded and 

14 missing. The loss in our brigade was 2 killed and 

15 wounded, and the rebel loss was said to have been 89. 

Following is General Dudley's report: 

Camp at the Plains' store. May 23, 1863. 
Sir: I have the honor to report that in comphance with General 
Orders No. 1, dated Headquarters United States forces, camp on 
Merritt's plantation. May 20, 1863, the following forces imder my 
command left camp at six a.m. of the 21st: 3d Brigade, 1st Division, 
consisting of 30th Massachusetts Volunteers, Lieut.-Col. W. W. 
Bullock; 2d Louisiana Volimteers, Col. C. J. Paine; 174th New 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 127 

York Volunteers, Lieut.-Col. B. F. Gott, accompanied by Cap- 
tain Godfrey's squadron of cavalry, four pieces of light artillery, 
Battery G, 5th United States Artillery, Lieutenant Rawles, and 
one section of the 18th New York Battery under Sergt. D. W. 
McConnell, and proceeded up the Bayou Sara road to the opening 
of the first plain, when the advance came upon a considerable picket 
force of the enemy, which was dispersed by Godfrey's cavalry. 
The colimm continued its march until near the clearing on the 
west side of the plains, about three-fourths of a mile from the 
Plains' store, when a brisk skirmish was opened by Captain Fiske's 
and Lieutenant Johnston's companies of the 30th Massachusetts 
Volunteers, which were thrown out onto the edge of the woods in 
front of the enemy's battery position. One section of Light Bat- 
tery G was placed in position on the Bayou Sara road, which en- 
gaged the rebel battery for fully half an hour under a heavy fire, 
but failed to silence it; another section of the same battery and 
the section of the 18th New York were brought up, and even this 
increased fire did not succeed in permanently silencing the fire of 
the enemy. The section of the 18th New York, by direction of 
Major-General Augur, was withdrawn, and replaced by four pieces 
of the Second Vermont Battery, Captain Holcomb. The pieces 
of Lieutenant Rawles were moved to the right, and Holcomb's 
sections took the position on the left of the road, the latter sup- 
ported by the 174th New York, and the right pieces supported by 
four companies of the 13th Massachusetts. The 2d Louisiana 
Volunteers, supported by the 161st New York Volunteers, moved 
through the woods on the right, with a view of getting on the left 
of the enemy's battery, which they succeeded in doing. The 
skirmish fire of these regiments, with the three companies of the 
30th Massachusetts Volimteers, rendered good service, and ma- 
terially contributed toward driving the enemy from their position. 
Previous to this latter disposition. Captain Ferris's company had 
been sent over on the right flank of the column, where it engaged 
the enemy's skirmishers, having one lieutenant and one man 
wounded. This company took several prisoners, and completely 
cleared the woods at this point. The concentrated fire of this 
force drove the enemy from his position. At this juncture my 
command was immediately ordered to move to the front, and 
take position near the Plains' store. One section of Light Battery 
G, under command of Lieutenant Beck, was placed on the Port 
Hudson road, the other on the Bayou Sara road, where it remained 
imtil the renewed attack in the afternoon on the right flank, when 
I was ordered to support Holcomb's battery, which had been put 
in position on the Bayou Sara road, about 250 yards to the front of 



128 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

the junction of the Port Hudson road. This was gallantly done by 
Lieutenant-Colonel Gott's regiment, 174th New York Volunteers. 
At the same time this heavy firing was going on in front of the 
174th, I was ordered to send up the Port Hudson road a section 
of artillery. Lieutenant Beck responded promptly to this call, 
and held his position until abandoned by his support. Having 
had two swing horses and drivers killed, he was compelled to retire, 
leaving one piece for a short time behind, when the men of the 
reserve pieces joined their comrades and succeeded in bringing 
off the piece. Holcomb's battery having whipped the enemy in 
front, the several corps took up their positions assigned them for 
the night on the field from which they had driven the enemy. 
The following is the amount and character of ammunition expended 
by the three sections of artiUery attached to my brigade: forty- 
five rounds soUd shot, twenty-two rounds spherical case, fifty- 
eight rounds shell, eight rounds canister. It would be useless to 
attempt to bestow any special comphment on any individual of 
my immediate command for his conduct during the engagement; 
all seemed to \de with each other in carrying out promptly and to 
the letter any order given. Lieut.-Col. Charles Everett, 2d Lomsi- 
ana, and First-Lieutenant Norcross, 30th Massachusetts, were 
severely wounded while engaging the enemy's skirmishers in front. 
I am specially indebted to the members of my staff, Captains Speed 
and Whittier, Lieutenants Dean, Skinner and Loring, for their 
prompt and eflacient services in transmitting orders from point to 
point, frequently under a heavy cross fire of canister and shell. 
Annexed is a Ust of kiUed, woxmded and missing of this brigade 
and the corps attached. 

I am, sir, your obedient servant, 

N. A. M. DUDLEY, 
Colonel and Acting Brigadier-General. 

Captain Halsted, 

Assistant Adjutant General. 

On May 19, Gen. Joseph E. Johnston sent orders to 
General Gardner to evacuate Port Hudson, but they were 
sent too late. On the 21st, General Gardner sent to Gen- 
eral Johnston a dispatch that the Federals were about 
to cross at Bayou Sara; that the whole force from Baton 
Rouge was in his front and asking to be re-enforced, and 
on the reception of this dispatch Gardner was again 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 129 

ordered to evacuate Port Hudson, but before the order 
reached him the place had been invested. 

As appears from the correspondence between General 
Grant and General Banks, the latter had expected to 
reach Bayou Sara from Alexandria about May 25 
with the divisions under Generals Emory, Grover and 
Weitzel, and there to be joined by a force sent by Grant, 
intending to invest and reduce Port Hudson, after which 
Banks proposed to march to the assistance of Grant at 
Vicksburg; but the position of the latter was such that 
he could then spare no troops, and so Banks was obliged 
to rely on his own resources. No further assistance could 
be furnished him from the North. 

Halleck at Washington was impatient because the two 
armies were not concentrated upon one objective point 
on the Mississippi, acting in mutual concert, character- 
izing their movements as too eccentric. Grant was calling 
upon Banks for help, and Banks was appealing to Grant 
for aid. It was a critical time and called for the exercise 
of the soundest judgment. Johnston was at Jackson. 
Taylor with a considerable force was west of the Missis- 
sippi, ready to follow after the Unionists as they left the 
Teche country. Several thousand men were at Clinton 
and outside of Port Hudson, and another force at Mobile. 
If Banks had abandoned Port Hudson and detached 
any considerable part of the 19th Army Corps to go to 
Vicksburg, Gardner would have been relieved and the 
Confederates might well have collected from east and 
west and north and by a combined movement have taken 
New Orleans. Louisiana would have been left unpro- 
tected, ripe to fall back once more into the arms of the 
Confederacy. The wisest and safest course was adopted, 
as was demonstrated by subsequent events. 

As the first move towards the siege. General Augur's 
division had left Baton Rouge, May 12, and marched 
up the river, engaging the attention of the enemy, and 
within striking distance if he should attempt to escape. 



130 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

Banks's command, fresh from the Teche campaign, moved 
from Simsport, Grover on the 18th and Emory on the 
19th, landing at Bayou Sara at two o'clock on the morn- 
ing of the 22d, reached Newport on the 23d and moved 
on to Port Hudson. General Weitzel reached Simsport 
on the 23d and followed a little later. Gen. W. T. 
Sherman, who had been at New Orleans, arrived at Gen- 
eral Augur's headquarters also on the 22d and was directed 
to take position on the Bayou Sara road just below 
Augur's position, but on the next day moved to a position 
on the western Port Hudson road in the vicinity of the 
schoolhouse, about four miles from Port Hudson, so by 
the 22d, Sherman and Augur were in front of the rebel 
fortifications on the south, and Banks with Grover and 
Emory had reached Bayou Sara on the north. 

We commenced to invest Port Hudson on the 19th and 
completed it on the 24th. On the morning of May 25 
the investing army occupied the following positions: 
Sherman was on the left in front of the enemy's first line 
of rifle pits, having his pickets at the edge of a skirt of 
woods, separated from the main line of works by an open 
plain, posted in front of the schoolhouse. Augur came 
next on the road from the Plains to Port Hudson. Then 
came Grover on the Jackson road opposite the center of 
the rebel works. Weitzel with his own brigade, Dwight's 
and Paine's (Emory's) division reduced to about a brigade, 
were on the right where the Telegraph road from Port 
Hudson to Bayou Sara crossed the Big Sandy Creek. 
On the 26th, General Weitzel on our right turned the 
head of Big Sandy Creek and pushed through the woods 
on that part of the line up to the abattis which continued 
the Confederate line of defence toward his left. 

During the afternoon the enemy made a determined 
attack on our right, but was driven back in confusion, 
and the Federals held their ground. Colonel Prince, with 
the 7th Illinois Cavalry and a section of the 1st Illinois 
Battery, crossed Thompson's Creek to destroy the enemy's 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 131 

means of transportation, for the purpose of preventing 
any attempt he might make to escape at that point, and 
captured two large steamers, the Starlight and Red Chief. 
This day about ninety pieces of artillery were placed in 
position for the purpose of opening an attack upon the 
rebel works. 

In anticipation of the attack of the 27th, on the 26th 
General Banks issued the following order: 

Special Orders, 
No. 23. 

Headquarters Department op the Gulf, 19th A.C, 

Riley's, before Port Hudson, May 26, 1863. 
Arrangements for to-morrow, May 27, 1863. 

I. General Grover will order a battery, preferably of Napoleon 
guns, to report to General Sherman to-night. 

II. Brigadier-General Arnold, chief of artillery, will take charge 
of all heavy artillery not now assigned to divisions or brigades. 
The light artillery as assigned to divisions by existing orders, in- 
cluding tills order, will be under the direction of the respective 
division commanders, to be used according to circumstances. 

III. Generals Augur and Sherman will open fire with their 
artillery upon the enemy's works at daybreak. They will dispose 
of their troops so as to annoy the enemy as much as possible during 
the cannonade by advancing skirmishers to kill the enemy's can- 
noneers, and to cover the advance of the assaulting column. They 
will place their troops in position to take instant advantage of any 
favorable opportunity, and will if possible force the enemy's works 
at the earliest moment. 

IV. General Augur will cause the heavy artillery under him 
to be supported by one regiment of infantry. General Sherman 
will see that all the artillery in his front is properly supported. 

V. General Weitzel will, according to verbal directions already 
given him, take advantage of attacks on other parts of the line 
to endeavor to force his way into the enemy's works on our right. 

VI. General Grover will hold himself in readiness to re-enforce 
■within the right or left if necessary, or to force his way into the 
enemy's works. He will also protect the right flank of the heavy 
artillery, should it become necessary. 

VII. Generals Augur, Sherman, Grover and Weitzel will con- 
stantly keep up their connections with the commands next them, 
so as to afTord mutual aid and avoid mistakes. 



132 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

VIII. The fire of the heavy artillery will be opened by General 
Arnold at as early an hoiir as practicable, say six a.m. 

IX. Commanders of divisions will provide the necessary needs 
for passing the ditch on their respective points of attack. 

X. All the operations herein directed must commence at the 
earUest hour practicable. 

XI. Port Hudson must be taken to-morrow. 

By Command of Major-General BANKS. 

Richard B. Irwin, 

Assistant Adjutant General. 




ROBERT W. REEVES EDWARD W^ PHILLIPS 

1st Lieut. Co. A. 50th Mass. 1st Lieut. Co. B, oOth Masb. 

SAMUEL C. TRULL 
1st Lieut. Co. C, SOth Mass . „^», 

JOHN S. CONEY HORACE M^WARREN 

1st Lieut. Co. D, 50th Mass. 



1st Lieut. Co. E, 50th Mass. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 133 



CHAPTER XII 

ASSAULT OF MAY 27, 1863, ON PORT HUDSON — DIARIES OF 
WILLIAM C. EUSTIS, JAMES HOWE AND SERGEANT 
NELSON 

ON the morning of the 27th the different divisions 
of the besieging army preparatory to the assault 
occupied the same relative positions as on the 
day before: that is, Sherman was on the left towards the 
river; next to him came Augur, then Grover, and to 
the right of Grover and on our extreme right Weitzel, 
commanding his own and Dwight's brigade and Paine's 
(formerly Emory's) division, now reduced to about a 
brigade. General Dudley's brigade was comprised in 
Augur's division. 

As already stated, the 50th, after a toilsome and dusty 
march from White's Bayou, had arrived in front of Port 
Hudson by the Bayou Sara road about midnight, and 
thrown themselves upon the ground for a few hours' rest. 
The boom of heavy guns from Farragut's fleet during the 
night was the grim forerunner of the tragedy that was to 
be enacted the following day. No one of the regiment 
who was present can easily forget the picture stamped 
upon the memory by the events of that early May morn- 
ing. In the first place, it was understood from the re- 
ports and rumors of the day before that the assault was 
to be made and the real battle at once begun. Of course 
we did not know the work that would be assigned to our 
particular regiment or to our several companies, but one 
thing was known beyond a reasonable doubt, and that 
was that the supreme hour of action was near at hand. 
We were there for a definite purpose, that purpose was 
to be accomplished at whatever cost, and the sooner done 



134 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

the better for us all. No one conceived of but one possible 
result, and that was the capture of the rebel works. 

It is always well to have a definite object in view, and 
still better to have absolute faith that you will effect 
that object. At the first break of day bustle and activ- 
ity reigned supreme on every side. Long rows of men 
were rising from the ground and preparing for action. 
Artillery was getting into position, orderlies and staff 
officers tearing along the lines issuing orders in all direc- 
tions. The light artillery had been ordered to open at 
daylight, and the heavy artillery at six a.m. Along the 
entire distance from left to right the open mouths of 
nearly a hundred guns faced the rebel works, and soon 
after sunrise a furious and terrific cannonade extended 
along the entire line. 

The position on our right acquired by Weitzel the day 
before was so close to the enemy it was expected that the 
actual assault would begin in that quarter, and here it 
was anticipated the first entrance into the Confederate 
fortifications would be effected. 

Opposed to Weitzel was I. G. W. Steedman, colonel 
of the 1st Alabama Volunteers. Before undertaking to 
give an account of the general operations of the day, it 
may be well to confine ourselves at the outset to the 
experience so far as possible of the 50th. 

At hardly any time during the day, after the early 
morning, was the entire regiment together under one 
command. The companies were most of them detailed 
till afternoon in supporting heavy artillery, and later in 
the day Companies K, A, F and G, under Major Hodges, 
took part in the more direct effort to assault the enemy's 
entrenchments near the center, while the rest of the 
regiment, under Colonel Messer, was posted somewhat 
farther to the left, remaining under cover of fallen 
trees till towards evening, when any further effort to 
continue the assault was for the time being abandoned. 

As we fell into line in the earlv morning we were com- 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 135 

pelled to go on duty with empty stomachs. Our place 
of bivouac the night before had been near the entrance 
to one of those ravines which characterize the environs of 
Port Hudson, which we occupied for some days subse- 
quently. Marching to the right in the direction of the 
Clinton railroad, now skirting along the edge of ravines 
and sometimes passing through them, keeping so far as 
possible under cover of trees and embankments, it was 
at first a little trying to one's nerves to hear the shells 
shrieking through the air, then descending to the ground, 
exploding, tearing up the earth and scattering destruc- 
tion in our immediate neighborhood; but we soon found 
the chances were a good many to one that no one would 
be hurt, and after a little time the sound became familiar, 
and we came almost to think it was possible to get the 
direction and dodge the missile before it reached the 
ground. If the dictionary contained the word "zip" it 
would nearly express a more dreaded sound made by a 
minie ball as it whizzes through space cleaving the air 
and boring a hole wherever it strikes. 

Comrade Eustis thus describes the experience of Com- 
pany E during the forenoon, which was detailed to sup- 
port a section of the 21st Indiana (Heavy Artillery): 

'"For God's sake hurry up, boys, they are shooting 
us down!' was the order of the adjutant of the artillery 
and was the introduction to our first battle. Company 
E stacked their guns, threw off their equipments and 
helped Company G, 21st Indiana (Heavy Artillery), called 
the 'Jackass Regiment, ' as the guns were drawn by mules; 
worked their guns from sunrise till two p.m., being ex- 
posed to shells and solid shot of the rebels, with no earth- 
works thrown up for our protection. 

"This was my first experience in battle, and rather 
indescribable except by war correspondents. There was 
lively dodging; first we saw the flash, then heard the 
report, and then saw the ball. Two men were killed on 
this spot by a single shot. The men had no breakfast, 



136 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

and rations were not served until one o'clock p.m., con- 
sisting of government bread and whiskey. The Indiana 
boys would not eat a mouthful till their Massachusetts 
comrades were first served." 

Other companies of the regiment were supporting 
batteries or in the infantry charge on the works. Com- 
rade Howe, of Company F, writes as follows in his journal : 

"Wednesday, May 27. So tired last night that I could 
not sleep. Before breakfast we were ordered to the sup- 
port of the battery, and from that time until about one 
o'clock occasionally a shot or shell would whistle over 
our heads. At one o'clock we were ordered to form part 
of a storming party. Now we were to commence active 
operations, and formed about a mile from the outworks 
in the woods. Two regiments, about two o'clock, charged 
out of the woods and rushed towards the enemy's works 
with a yell. They were received with a shower of canister 
and grape, which made great havoc with our men. 
Charles Stickney, who was by the side of me, was struck 
by a spent ball in the ankle, and wounded slightly, the 
ball going very near my head. Two o'clock we were 
ordered forward. Now was the trying time. Advanc- 
ing towards the breastworks, the enemy firing in volleys 
of musketry together with grape and canister, we man- 
aged to get within a few hundred yards of the entrench- 
ments, when getting behind a large stump we commenced 
firing. We lay in this position until sunset, when we 
were ordered to retire, which we did in good order. 

''All along the road were the wounded, covered with 
blood and dirt, awful to look upon. This has been a 
trying day to us, and we have behaved admirably, with 
a few exceptions. The battery we supported in the 
morning was the 21st Indiana. Our company went into 
action under command of Lieut. David Boynton. We 
advanced as far as any other regiment, and we were the 
last to leave the field. Were under fire five hours, and 
when ordered to retire, obeyed with great reluctance. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 137 

In the morning, when supporting the Indiana battery, 
saw General Banks for the first time as a military officer." 

A comrade of Company A records his experience of 
May 27: 

"May 26, four p.m. On the march to Port Hudson, 
marching without a rest until twelve, midnight, arriving 
pretty well tired out ; we got to sleep about one a.m., turned 
out about three a.m., and went to the support of the 21st 
Indiana Heavy Artillery. Balls were flying around rather 
carelessly. A shell struck and exploded in the top of a 
tree, where there was a sutler under it; he running and 
leaving his goods, which happened at an opportune 
moment, as the boys had had nothing to eat since the 
day before, no rations having been issued since that 
time. Two p.m., four companies under Major Hodges, 
including Company A, were sent to the left center to join 
in the assault there taking place. Passing in by the 
flank, we moved forward under a heavy fire, continuing 
until 5.30 P.M., when owing to the nature of the ground 
and the distance over which the assault had to be made 
the troops were withdrawn, the assault having been a 
failure, with a loss to the Union side of about 1,500 killed 
and wounded." 

One of the fullest diaries of the assault was kept by 
Sergeant Nelson: 

"About three o'clock, May 27, we were routed out, and 
just as we were ready to go in somewhere General Dudley 
appeared before us with advice and instruction. Said 
he, 'You are for the first time to be placed under fire; 
keep cool, keep steady, and above all mind your com- 
mander.' 

'"Few and short were the prayers we said,' but if this 
isn't fighting on an empty stomach, what is it? Not a 
crust since yesterday noon, and here we are going to 
take Port Hudson before breakfast. Over in a deep 
ravine caused by spring freshets, but now dry, we crept, 
while just above us on the high ground was the battery 



138 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

which we were to protect. Where we lay the rebel shot 
and shell flew fast and furious over our heads, but did us 
no damage. Several times we had orders to form double 
quick and run up the hill and face the enemy, as they 
were about making an attack upon the battery; but they 
didn't come and back we went. The battery men are 
being slaughtered terribly. Calls are made for men to 
bury the dead constantly; several of Company K are 
doing the sexton's work. The continued sharp crack 
of the rifled cannon from our battery and the shriek of 
the enemy's shells as they go over our heads or burst near 
us are altogether unpleasant, whatever others may say 
to the contrary. I felt just as another man near me said 
he did. The air seemed full of flying deadly missiles. 
Hanson set up a childish cry, saying, 'I wish I were in 
father's barn.' 'What would you do then?' 'Oh, I'd go 
into the house.' 

"The cooks having arrived, drew a ration of bread and 
came around with it. When gnawing the crust amidst 
the jarring elements, I thought of the stalled ox and the 
dinner of herbs, and of that old ancestor of mine who 
could n't find room on the salt marshes of Rowley to eat 
his beans. While thus thinking, I was brought to the 
outer world by one of the battery boys coming down 
over the bank and landing on my head. Then came a 
lull in the storm. 

"Old soldiers tell us the firing has been quite terrific, 
so we have seen something of war. At this time the com- 
panies of our regiment were formed to go to another part 
of the field. While waiting for orders to move, Dr. Cogs- 
well regaled us with a few patriotic sentiments. The old 
Bay State was feelingly alluded to; some of us felt so 
badly about the dear old state that we almost wished we 
were up there with her. I know I thought it would be 
delightful to sit on a horse as a member of the medical 
fraternity and talk patriotism and glory hallelujah, for 
all civilized nations acknowledge the code, and army 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 139 

surgeons as such are permitted to travel unmolested 
almost anywhere. 

"After a short rest, forward, down the center, where the 
line of battle was formed in the woods. The 50th was 
represented by four companies, under the command of 
Major Hodges, Company K on the right. As we were 
passing on to our place in line. General Augur was stand- 
ing behind an enormous great gum tree, and the bullets 
were whistling like hailstones through the branches. 
As I passed within three feet of him he gave the order, 
'Forward, men, shield yourselves as much as possible 
behind stumps and trees, but keep moving forward 
toward the breastworks.' I did not make any reply, but 
kept moving. The moment the line was formed it was 
face to the front and pitch in. We were on the extreme 
left, the 48th was next to us, beyond them was the 49th, 
led by their saucy-looking commander, Colonel Bartlett, 
on horseback, the only mounted man to be seen, while 
stretching far away a long distance could be seen a solid 
column of men pressing forward with guns glistening in 
the bright sunlight, hurrying up towards the earthworks. 
The batteries at different points were pouring in a con- 
tinual shower of shot and shell. The roar of the cannon- 
ading, the wild yell of the soldiers, the whistling minie 
balls as they flew over and around us, the horrible shriek 
of the shrapnel, grape and canister, were sounds, to a 
peaceful citizen like myself, altogether unpleasant, and 
what made it still more aggravating, not a single rebel 
head could be seen to fire at. As we worked up nearer 
the fortifications the line began to lose its regularity, and 
soon, it being evident that the assault was a failure, the 
word was passed down the line to 'halt' and each one 
look out for himself. I know one thing and it is this, 
that the 50th got as near the sand bags as any regiment, 
and Major Hodges led the column. 

"Just before the order to 'fall back' reached us, a large 
piece of shell struck the ground just in advance of the 



140 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

major and covered him over with sand. Throwing himself 
around and shaking the dirt off, he swung his sword high 
in the air and cried out, 'Come on, boys.' Close behind 
him were Barnes and Bradstreet, and Company K followed 
close up. Immediatel}^ after we got the word each man 
struck for the safest place, behind stumps, logs and up- 
rooted trees. After repeated attempts and repeated fail- 
ures, at last my ' good angel ' got me behind an enormous 
log, and here, with Pierce, we lay for several hours, the 
balls whistling over our heads, sometimes stripping a piece 
of bark from our shelter, but what cared we? With our 
heads together we talked, ate the remainder of our 
breakfast and then slept. During this unsuccessful 
assault officers and privates got considerably mixed up, 
though men who have been raised to the dizzy altitude 
of second lieutenants find themselves crowded and jostled 
by high privates who work for thirteen dollars a month 
and take no responsibility. More than one unfortunate 
colonel found himself sans horse, sans sword, sans every- 
thing, and none to do him reverence. Unless an officer 
is high enough in command to be at the head and direct, 
his chances are no better than a lesser light. Lieutenant- 
Colonel O'Brien, of the 48th, lay dead quite near our place 
of safety. Here and there all about us, where we lay, 
could be seen a blanket spread over some dead body; for 
this is the most that can be done at this time. Those 
wounded sometimes take the risk and, aided by comrades, 
will creep to some safe place and have their wounds 
attended to, but in most cases the dead and wounded lay 
as they fell until towards night, when the bugle called out 
'cease firing,' and immediately all strife stopped. Then 
commenced carrying off the dead and wounded. 

"In every direction could be seen parties with stretchers 
conveying to the woods in the rear those who had fallen. 
At the same time the rebel earthworks were completely 
covered with their soldiers a long way to the right and 
left. Not a word was spoken on either side. In this 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 141 

singular attitude we were for an hour. A little while ago 
we were firing into each other's bosoms, and now we are 
within speaking distance and not an unfriendly remark 
is made. 

"By night our men were all called from the field, the 
dead were buried and the wounded carried to the rear. 
Then our regiment was ordered back to the last night's 
camping ground. The assault has been a total failure; 
hundreds have been slaughtered and nothing gained; the 
fact is, the place is too strong to be taken by an assault 
without a great many more men. It is an axiom in war, 
that any fortification can be carried by assault if there 
are men enough; but General Banks has not enough to 
fill the ditches. It is simply a matter of preponderance, 
and our side has not the preponderance. I never saw a 
more sorry and more disappointed body of men than is 
outside of Port Hudson to-night. This morning in antici- 
pation it was promised that, by persistent hard fighting, 
the patient waiting and long steady preparation through 
which we have passed for many long, weary days, weeks 
and months would receive its reward by seeing the stars 
and stripes floating from the flagstaff inside of Port 
Hudson; and we will 'some day, but not to-day, Johnny.' 

"On the way back we passed several field hospitals 
where this surgeons were busy at work; my curiosity was 
not strong enough to stop me and see what, perhaps, 
they may be doing to me to-morrow. Too discouraged 
and tired to talk, we soon drop asleep, expecting to go in 
again any moment, for this is not the end." 

As appears from the foregoing journals the regiment 
was engaged during the forenoon in supporting the 21st 
Indiana (Heavy Artillery), the cannonade on the left 
and center having continued during that time. 

At about two o'clock Augur's division was ordered to 
advance. The regiment at this time was separated. Com- 
panies A, G, K and F pushing forward in the line of 
assault under Major Hodges, while the rest of the regi- 



142 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

ment, under Colonel Messer, marched towards the left 
and from there advanced in the direction of the enemy's 
works, but did not get through the obstructions in front 
of them. 

Having been without rations during the day, the writer 
was detailed to go back for bread where the company 
cook had been left in the morning, and on returning he 
found that during his absence the detachment under the 
colonel had gone. Securing his gun and starting in pur- 
suit of his company, after continued inquiry he was able 
to locate them, and crept up well towards the front. 
The men at that time could hardly be said to have stood 
in serried column or to have presented a very formidable 
or altogether martial appearance. They were not at 
that moment making of themselves targets for rebel 
sharpshooters, but were keeping under cover protected 
by fallen trees. Later in the day, after the troops re- 
tired from the front, the regiment marched back to the 
head of the ravine, where it had passed the previous night, 
glad to stack arms, throw off equipments and, after the 
exhausting efforts of the past two days, get some needed 
rest, although at night Companies C, B and part of I 
were ordered out to support the 2d Vermont Battery. 

It had been a day of fearful carnage, and a painful and 
gruesome spectacle was presented to view during the 
evening in the hospitals established under the trees 
where the wounded were carried, having been collected 
from the battlefield. 

During the forenoon the assault on the right, under 
General Weitzel, had been conducted with great spirit, 
resulting, however, in considerable slaughter, and it is 
quite probable the works would have been penetrated 
and Port Hudson taken on May 27 if there had been a 
persistent and simultaneous assault during the early part 
of the day all along the line. Owing to misfortune or 
the fault of some one, the troops in the center and on the 
left under Augur and Sherman did not advance to the 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 143 

assault till two o'clock in the afternoon, and in the mean 
time the enemy, occupying the interior and shorter line, 
had been enabled to concentrate against Weitzel and 
resist his progress. The pressure against him in a great 
measure would have been removed if the Confederates 
had been compelled to defend at the same time their 
entire line of defence against a vigorous attack of infan- 
try. A subsequent examination of the fortifications made 
it apparent that they were generally almost impregnable; 
still there were some points comparatively weak along the 
line where it was possible to have made an entrance and 
to have obtained a foothold, if the enemy had been kept 
busy in simultaneously defending the line of intrench- 
ments, extending over a distance of between four and 
five miles. Our loss in the assault of May 27 was said 
to have been 293 killed and 1,549 wounded. 



144 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 



CHAPTER XIII 

DIARY OF GEN. HALBERT E, PAINE REPORT OF COL. 

I. G. W. STEEDMAN AFTER THE ASSAULT OF MAY 27 

WHILE an account of the events of a battle coming 
from an eyewitness on one side or the other is 
not always reliable and is apt to be partial and 
exaggerated, still such accounts are data from which the 
historian sifts the truth, and they often present to the 
reader pictures far more vivid than any general descrip- 
tion. For instance, the colored regiments which engaged 
in the assault on the extreme right were said to have 
exhibited great bravery, but the account of their fighting 
and courage and tenacity as described by secessionists and 
unionists was quite different, although each perhaps in- 
tended to speak the truth. Among the officers who took 
part in the assaults of May 27 and June 14, Gen. Hal- 
bert E. Paine was conspicuous for his bravery. 

General Paine's diary: 

"May 26. Perfected our line of investment. The bri- 
gades of Generals Weitzel and Dwight were temporarily 
united in a division under General Dwight. This divi- 
sion and mine were made the right wing of the army and 
were under General Weitzel's command until the after- 
noon of May 27, when they were attached to the com- 
mand of General Grover. The general officers met in the 
evening at the headquarters of General Banks. A gen- 
eral assault was ordered for the next morning. The posi- 
tion of the troops: on the left was first, Sherman's divi- 
sion; second, Augur's; third, Grover's; fourth, Paine's; 
fifth, Dwight's (Weitzel's). Two colored regiments re- 
ported to me. I posted them on the extreme right. At 
General Dwight's request they were transferred to him, 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 145 

and they fought bravely in the attack which followed. 
The nature of the ground rendered it difficult for all of 
the divisions to make a simultaneous attack on the forti- 
fications, because the troops on the right had to drive a 
large rebel force over densely wooded hills and ravines, 
and then over ground very precipitous and rendered 
almost impassable by felled timber, before we could see 
his works, whereas on the other portion of the line of 
investment the fortifications were nearer, and were to a 
great extent visible from our position. 

"Weitzel's two divisions prepared to form at three 
o'clock in the morning. I ordered my pioneers to fol- 
low the infantry rapidly under the supervision of Cap- 
tain Duryea, chief of division artillery, who was directed 
to bring up the batteries with the utmost promptness. 
We had no definite knowledge of the ground over which 
we were to fight, for the enemy occupied it. The forest 
was so dense that glasses were useless. The difficulties 
actually encountered were very great. Port Hudson was 
naturally very strong on the northeast. 

"May 27. At first General Weitzel placed a part of 
General D wight's command in the first line and mine in 
the second, but very soon after the advance commenced 
that portion of D wight's line which was in my front for 
some reason obliqued from my front, perhaps because a 
section of the 1st Maine Battery went to the front on 
our left, and as we observed, our advance, as far as the 
ground was concerned, was a trifle easier to the right. 
A very slight reason will deflect the body of men advanc- 
ing. The attack was a huge bushwhack. The rebels 
availed themselves of the thickets, trees, fallen timber, 
ridges, ravines, and also of rifle pits and breastworks of 
earth and logs constructed at convenient points, and 
being concealed and protected themselves gave us a most 
destructive rifle fire, retreating rapidly from point to 
point. 

"From favorable positions their light artillery fired 



146 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

upon us grape, shell and canister, and for a few minutes 
with comparative immunity, on account of our momen- 
tary uncertainty as to the position of D wight's troops 
resulting from the darkness of the morning, the under- 
brush and the smoke; but we pushed on until we drove 
the rebels within their works, capturing many prisoners, 
but suffering heavily in killed and wounded. 

"At length we reached a ridge two hundred yards from 
their fortifications, and the enemy met us with a concen- 
trated artillery and infantry fire. With admirable celer- 
ity the pioneers opened up the road and Captain Duryea 
brought up the division artillery, and within fifteen 
minutes after driving him in our batteries were answer- 
ing his guns from two commanding points, which posi- 
tions were retained until the surrender. While we were 
waiting for Augur's and Sherman's guns, Grover, whose 
division joined our left, took command of the right wing. 
Positions were gained within one hundred yards of the 
parapet and kept in those hazardous places by frequent 
reliefs until the assault of June 14. 

"From the 22d of May until the 14th of June there 
was by day and night a constant fight of artillery and 
sharpshooters on my front, from Weitzel's left to Augur's 
right. There were repeated night attacks by my troops, 
and sorties by the enemy. Communications were opened 
between adjacent divisions, and preparations made for 
another assault." 

Col. I. G. W. Steedman, of the 1st Alabama Regiment 
(Confederate), was in command of the rebel left wing, 
opposed to our right under General Weitzel. 

Colonel Steedman 's report of operations: 

" Sunday p.m.. May 24. With a re-enforcement of three 
battalions I undertook to determine the enemy's strength 
and drive him back. Drove back his pickets and rested. 

"Monday noon, 25th. The enemy advanced twice, and 
although I received re-enforcements of 200 fresh troops I 
could not extend my line to Sandy Creek, and the enemy 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 147 

marched around our extreme left and threatened our 
rear, so we were obliged to fall back to our original posi- 
tion, where we remained during the night. These demon- 
strations showed that the enemy would attack our lines 
in the vicinity of the commissary depot, arsenal, etc. 
This evidence being laid before Major-General Gardner, 
all the available tools, negroes, etc., were put at the dis- 
posal of the chief engineer, and by dawn of Tuesday a 
battery of four pieces was in position, and by Wednes- 
day, the 27th, an imperfect line of rifle pits had been 
thrown up, protecting the left wing. 

"On Monday, May 25, at the extreme left, the Federals 
came in heavy force through the plantations of Captain 
Chambers, Mr. Flower and Mrs. Houstan. Halting at 
Sandy Creek, they built a pontoon bridge. On Tuesday 
night it was ready, and we then learned that their ex- 
treme right was composed of negro troops. Our casual- 
ties on the left wing thus far were about forty in all. 
The left slept on their arms Tuesday night, the 26th. 
The enemy were continually cutting timber, moving 
artillery, etc. M}^ orders were to act on the defensive. 

"Anticipating an attack on Wednesday morning, the 
27th, I relieved Miles's battalion and sent in four com- 
panies of the 1st Alabama. Lieutenant-Colonel Locke's 
command was thus as strong as before. It was about 
half a mile in advance of Commissary Hill, and consisted 
of about 500 men and no artillery. At about half past 
five on the morning of May 27 a heavy artillery fire 
was opened by the enemy upon the center and right wing 
of the defences of Port Hudson. During one hour of this 
severe firing there was a perfect calm on the left wing; 
the silence was ominous. 

''At about half past seven, without any warning, a 
heavy body of the enemy in column of regiments ad- 
vanced boldly upon Colonel Locke's line. In a few 
moments the fight became very severe and raged with 
great fury. It resulted in considerable loss to us and a 



148 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

frightful loss to the enemy, in consequence of the dense 
column exposed to our fire, while our men were under 
cover of logs, trees, ravines, etc. When the enemy 
deployed his overwhelming force, Lieutenant-Colonel 
Locke, in obedience to his previous instructions, withdrew 
his command as promptly as possible to the main works. 

"Having taken a position in the battery of four guns 
on Commissary Hill, as soon as I discovered with my glass 
that our own troops had left the top of the hill and the 
enemy were occupying it, I ordered this battery to open 
fire on them. Colonel Johnston opened about the same 
time with two guns from his works. 

"Thus began the general engagement and assault upon 
our left wing. A rapid shelling succeeded in breaking 
their ranks and creating great confusion in the head of 
the column, but this artillery fire did not stop the advance. 
Their lines, though in confusion, were pushed boldly for- 
ward under cover of the fallen timber and ravines, until 
within good range of our infantry in the rifle pits. The 
battle was now general on my line and terrific, continuing 
for two hours with great fury. The enemy's sharp- 
shooters crept up near our batteries and killed and 
wounded many of our cannoneers, the fallen timber 
(abattis) giving complete protection. After the enemy 
found us prepared in front, he flanked to the right, coming 
through the fields known as the 'Bull Pen,' but Colonel 
Lyle, with the 23d Arkansas, stopped his progress there. 

"Colonel Johnston, of the 15th Arkansas, was heavily 
assailed at Fort Desperate, but succeeded in driving the 
masses back. 

"Upon the extreme left of the left wing occurred one of 
the most important engagements, not only of the siege of 
Port Hudson, but of this war. It was a battle between 
white and negro troops, and as far as I am aware the 
first engagement of any magnitude between the white 
man and negro. The charge was made by the 1st and 2d 
'Louisiana Native Guards' (negroes) and two regiments 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 149 

of troops upon the position held by Col. W. B. Shelby of 
the 39th Mississippi. Shelby says in his report that he 
determined to hold, at all hazards, a ridge at his front 
running parallel to the main road and extending within 
200 yards of the bridge over Sandy Creek. It was a very 
strong position and easily held by a small force. Against 
this the negro troops advanced under fire, although in 
confusion and disorder, to within 200 yards of the extreme 
left, when the artillery opened upon them with canister, 
and they were driven back with great slaughter after 
having fired but one volley. Several efforts were made 
to rally them, but they did not again charge the works 
during the day. Not a single man of my command was 
killed or wounded. 

"The enemy used one battery against the left, supported 
by the negroes, one on the hill opposite the commissary 
depot, and one or more against Colonel Johnston (Fort 
Desperate). The latter was subsequently exceedingly 
destructive, disabling or dismounting most of our artillery 
by night, and with their sharpshooters annoying, killing 
and wounding numbers of our men, but two of their 
guns were dismounted by a rifled 24-pounder manned 
by a detachment from Company A, 1st Alabama 
Volunteers. 

"The heat of the sun on this day was intense. In the 
middle of the forenoon a white flag went up and the firing 
ceased. Upon inquiry, I found that it had been presented 
by the major of some New York regiment in front of the 
1st Alabama. The officer with the flag made the verbal 
statement that General Banks desired a cessation of 
hostilities for the purpose of burying his dead. This 
verbal statement was sent to General Gardner, who 
rejected it as informal, and ordered that hostilities be 
resumed in half an hour. Many of the enemy during this 
short truce retired to positions of safety. I have no 
doubt the flag was used for the unlawful purpose of with- 
drawing the troops to safer positions." 



150 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

Ravines, many of them deep and in places precipitous, 
were characteristic features of the topography of the 
ground about Port Hudson. Near the head of one of 
these ravines on Griffith's plantation the regiment biv- 
ouacked on the night of May 26 when it arrived from 
White's Bayou, and here were left our camp equipage, 
company stores and cooks on the morning of the 27th 
when the regiment was ordered to the front. To this 
spot the several companies returned after the assault, 
and for a time were camped in and about the ravine 
which afforded a certain amount of protection from the 
enemy's guns. In the immediate neighborhood were 
located the negro cabins of the plantation. 

After our repulse of May 27 no further effort was 
made to carry the Confederate works by assault till 
June 14, and in the interim the investment from day 
to day was made more and more complete. New works 
were thrown up; additional batteries placed in position; 
the lines drawn closer; trees felled; roads constructed; 
bridges built, and general preparation made in anticipa- 
tion of the second assault. In the mean time the artil- 
lery kept hammering away at intervals night and day, 
inflicting more or less injury; but the firing was by no 
means confined to our side. There was a constant inter- 
change of civilities. The booming of great guns, the 
shells screaming through the air, and the whizzing of 
minie balls continually kept us on the alert. 

Company H was at Baton Rouge doing provost-guard 
duty, and the other companies of the regiment were 
somewhat separated, supporting batteries, digging rifle 
pits and engaged in road building. On the evening of 
the 27th, Companies B, C and part of I were ordered out 
to support the 2d Vermont Battery. A portion of the 
regiment continued to support the 21st Indiana Battery, 
and a little later the regiment was stationed near the line 
of the Clinton and Port Hudson Railroad, supporting the 
marine battery of heavy Dahlgren guns in the neighbor- 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 151 

hood of which we continued during the remainder of the 
siege, supporting also Nims's battery and Mack's Black 
Horse Battery. Here also was one of those deep ravines 
which at times furnished a comparatively safe retreat. 

Intense heat, heavy showers, lack of tents and insuffi- 
cient rations, together with sleepless nights, combined to 
make these few weeks the severest of our service, and yet 
it was an experience which men recall with the greatest 
satisfaction. It was a time of constant excitement and 
eager anticipation. The comradeship which comes from 
being engaged in a common purpose attended with great 
danger made life interesting and thrilling. The hungry 
soldier, grumbling at his hard-tack, alive with weevils, 
and cursing his "salt horse," notwithstanding his priva- 
tions and hardships probably experienced as much hap- 
piness and perhaps more physical and mental exhilaration 
than his well-fed and well-housed neighbor at home. In 
a measure the miserable and scanty supply of food was 
complemented by prodigal Nature and a fertile soil, which 
furnished quantities of great wild luscious blackberries 
that could be had for the picking. Still the poor diet, 
bad water, exposure and miasma were making greater 
ravages day by day than rebel bullets and cannon balls. 
Constitutions were being undermined, systems weakened 
and the seeds of disease spread broadcast which resulted 
in death. From the time the men reached Baton Rouge 
till they left the Mississippi at Cairo, the funeral march 
and last taps were of almost daily occurrence. The 
number of deaths from the time the regiment left Box- 
ford till it was mustered out in August, 1863, aggregated 
eighty-nine. 



152 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 



CHAPTER XIV 

ORGANIZATION OF THE TROOPS AT PORT HUDSON, MAY 3 1, 
1863 — DIARY OF SERGEANT NELSON FROM MAY 27 TO 
JUNE 14. 

ORGANIZATION of the troops in the Department of 
the Gulf (Nineteenth Army Corps), Ma j .-Gen. 
Nathaniel P. Banks, U.S. Army, commanding, 
May 31, 1863: 

FIRST DIVISION. 

Maj.-Gen. Christopher C. Augur. 
First Brigade. 

Col. Charles J. Paine. 

2d Louisiana, Lieut.-Col. Charies Everett. 

21st Maine, Col. Elijah D. Johnson. 

48th Massachusetts, Col. Eben F. Stone. 

49th Massachusetts, Col. WiUiam F. Bartlett. 

116th New York, Capt. John Higgins. 

Second Brigade. 

Brig.-Gen. Godfrey Weitzel.* 

12th Connecticut, Lieut.-Col. Frank H. Peck. 

75th New York, Col. Robert B. Merritt. 

114th New York, Col. EUsha B. Smith. 

160th New York, Lieut.-Col. John B. Van Petten. 

8th Vermont, Lieut.-Col. Charles Dillingham. 

Third Brigade. 

Col. Nathan A. M. Dudley. 

30th Massachusetts, Lieut.-Col. William W. Bullock. 

50th Massachusetts, Col. Carlos P. Messer. 

161st New York, Col. Gabriel T. Harrower. 

174th New York, Maj. George Keating. 

(The 2d Louisiana had been in General Dudley's brigade.) 

* Weitzel was assigned May 14 to command a provisional division consist- 
ing of his own and the 1st (Dwight's) Brigade, 4th Division. Col. Stephen 
Thomas succeeded Weitzel as brigade commander. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 153 

Artillery. 

1st Indiana Heavy (seven companies), Col. John A. Keith. 

1st Maine Battery, Lieut. John E. Morton. 

6th Massachusetts Battery, Lieut. John F. Phelps. 

12th Massachusetts Battery (one section), Lieut. Edwin 
M. Chamberlin. 

18th New York Battery, Capt. Albert G. Mack. 

1st United States, Battery A, Capt. Edmund C. Brain- 
bridge. 

5th United States, Battery G, Lieut. Jacob B. Rawles. 

Miscellaneous. 

1st Louisiana Engineers, Corps d'Afrique, Col. Justin 

Hodge. 
1st Louisiana Native Guards, Lieut.-Col. Chauncey J. 

Bassett. 
3d Louisiana Native Guards, Col. John A. Nelson. 
4th Louisiana Native Guards, Col. Charles W. Drew. 
1st Louisiana Cavalry, Lieut.-Col. Augustus W. Corhss. 



SECOND DIVISION. 

Brig.-Gen. WilUam Dwight.* 
First Brigade. 

Col. Thomas S. Clark. 

26th Connecticut, Lieut.-Col. J. Selden. 

6th Michigan, Lieut.-Col. E. Bacon. 

15th New Hampshire, Col. John W. Kingman. 

128th New York, Lieut.-Col. James Smith. 

102d New York, Lieut.-Col. Justus W. Blanchard. 

Third Brigade. 

Brig.-Gen. Frank S. Nickerson. 

14th Maine, Col. Thomas W. Porter. 

24th Maine, Col. George M. Atwood. 

28th Maine (detachment), Col. Ephrain W. Woodman. 

165th New York, Capt. Fehx Agnes. 

175th New York, Maj. John Gray. 

177th New York, Col. Ira W. Ainsworth. 

* Upon Brig.-Gen. Thomas W. Sherman being woimded. May 27, Brig.-Gen. 
George L. Andrews, chief of staff, assumed command of this division. Nickerson 
succeeded him May 28, and Dwight assumed command May 30, Col. Lewis 
Benedict commanding at Trudeau's Landing. The 2d Brigade was serving in 
the defences of New Orleans. 



154 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

Artillery. 

Capt. William Roy. 

1st Indiana Heavy (one company), Capt. William Roy. 

21st New York Battery, Capt. James Barnes. 

1st Vermont Battery, Capt. George T. Hebard. 



THIRD DIVISION. 

Brig.-Gen. Halbert E. Paine.* 
First Brigade. ■\ 

Col. Timothy Ingraham. 
4th Massachusetts, Col. Henry Walker. 
16th New Hampshire, Col. James Pike. 
110th New York, Col. Clinton H. Sage. 

Second Brigade. 

Col. Hawkes Fearing, Jr. 

8th New Hampshire, Capt. William M. Barrett. 
133d New York, Col. Leonard D. H. Currie. 
173d New York, Capt. George W. Rogers. 
4th Wisconsin, Col. Sidney A. Bean. 

Third Brigade. 

Col. Ohver P. Gooding. 

31st Massachusetts (seven companies), Lieut.-Col. W. S. B. 

Hopkins. 
38th Massachusetts, Maj. James P. Richardson. 
53d Massachusetts, Col. John W. Kimball. 
156th New York, Lieut.-Col. Jacob Sharp. 



Artillery. 



Capt. Richard O. Duryea. 

4th Massachusetts Battery, Lieut. Fred W. Reinhard. 
1st United States, Battery F, Capt. Richard C. Duryea. 
2d Vermont Battery, Capt. Pythagoras E. Holcomb. 



* Assigned to command May 2. Brig.-Gen. Weitzel was assigned to com- 
mand May 13, but order was revoked next day. Paine commanding since 
May 14. 

t The 28th Connecticut, Col. Samuel P. Ferris, assigned to this brigade 
June 2. The 16th New Hampshire detached, guarding ammunition depot. 
The 162d New York assigned May 31 to 1st Brigade, 2d Division. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 155 

FOURTH DIVISION. 

Brig.-Gen. Cuvier Grover. 

First Brigade. 

Col. Joseph S. Morgan. 

1st Louisiana, Col. Richard E. Holcomb. 

22d Maine, Col. Simon G. Jerard. 

90th New York, Maj. Nelson Shavirman. 

91st New York, Col. Jacob Van Zandt. 

131st New York, Lieut.-Col. Nicholas W. Day. 



Second Brigade. 

Col. WiUiam K. Kimball. 

24th Connecticut, Col. Samuel M. Mansfield. 

12th Maine, Lieut.-Col. Edward Ilsley. 

41st Massachusetts, Lieut.-Col. Lorenzo D. Sargent. 

52d Massachusetts, Col. Halbert S. Greenleaf. 



Third Brigade. 

Col. Henry W. Birge. 

13th Connecticut, Capt. Appolos Comstock. 
25th Connecticut, Lieut.-Col. Mason C. Weld. 
26th Maine, Col. Nathaniel H. Hubbard. 
159th New York, Lieut.-Col. Charles A. Burt. 



Artillery. 

Capt. Henry W. Closson. 

2d Massachusetts Battery, Capt. Ormand F. Nims. 
1st United States, Battery L, Capt. Henry W. Closson. 
2d United States, Battery C, Lieut. Theodore Bradley. 



Cavalry. 



14th New York (one company) Cavalry, Col. Benjamin 

H. Grierson. 
6th Illinois, Lieut.-Col. Reuben Loomis. 
7th Illinois, Col. Edward Prince. 
1st Louisiana (detachment). 
2d Massachusetts Battalion. 
14th New York (detachment). 



156 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

CORPS d'afrique.* 
Brig.-Gen. Daniel Ullmann. 

6th Infantry. 
7th Infantry. 
8th Infantry. 
9th Infantry. 
10th Infantry. 

The gunboats and the war vessels were the Essex (iron- 
clad), Kineo, Richmond, Genesee, Monongahela, Hartford, 
Albatross, Mississippi (lost), picket boat No. 2, gunboat 
No. 13, gunboat No. 17, and fifteen mortar boats. 
Diary of Sergeant Nelson from May 27 to June 14: 
"May 28. There has been almost a total cessation of 
hostilities to-day; only an occasional gun; both sides 
appear to be repairing damages, ready for another trial. 
The men are scattered about in squads, talking of yester- 
day's exploits, hairbreadth escapes, who got hit, and 
what kind of places they got into for safety. Just before 
going into action yesterday Stickney, I think of Company 
F, received a wound on his foot by a glance ball; we look 
upon him as a fortunate boy; it will keep him from any 
more hard work for the term, and he can show a wound 
which will be a mark to be proud of in days to come. 
After dark the regiment was formed, and we all expected 
a night attack was to be made. After a short tramp 
through woods and over ravines, which we crossed on 
logs while the utmost secrecy and stillness were enjoined 
on us, we were brought up at the foot of a bluff and 
halted. In the darkness we could see the rebel earth- 
works which we had to carry. No one was allowed to 
speak above a whisper; the word of command was passed 
from one to another in the lowest tones and by signs, as 
the least noise would divulge our whereabouts and de- 
signs. Then came orders to rest until morning. When 
the moon rose the earthworks vanished into harmless 

* The officers of these regiments were mustered into service at New York City 
in February and March, 1863, but the regiments were [not fully organized until 
August and September of that year. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 157 

rifle pits, and the enemy was some way over the hills. 
At daylight the companies of the regiment were posted 
in different localities near each other to protect and 
support batteries and themselves. 

"Our headquarters are at a tremendous big prostrate 
tree, just under the lee of the hill, from the top of 
which the earthworks around a considerable part of 
Port Hudson, tents, rebel flags, and much of the interior 
economy of that hated place are plainly visible. Between 
the hill and the fortifications the woods have been cleared, 
and on this broken and undulating ground the pickets 
occupy themselves during the day. Every stump has 
been fortified, and behind it one or two picket guards lie 
and load and fire from daylight until dark. Over in the 
' works ' behind logs and sand bags, and from the tops of 
trees, the rebel sharpshooters send their little 'souvenirs' 
back with their compliments. At the same time the con- 
tinuous roar of the heavy cannon is kept up night and 
day. 

"We have appropriated to our comfort the contents 
of several cotton bales, and on these we spread our 
blankets and sleep with the innocence of childhood. To 
the right of us is the Union battery, on the left a rebel 
battery; they amuse themselves during the twenty-four 
hours trying to damage each other; we are getting so 
accustomed to the noise that we mind nothing about 
them. The hill protects us, and we say with General 
Taylor, 'give them Hell-elujah.' 

"May 30 to June 7. Each day for the last week has 
been like every other. Under the cover of darkness, 
companies for picket duty relieve those who are on duty 
at the present time ; these are in turn relieved by 
others, after their twenty-four hours' service; so the 
broken ground between the wood in the rear of the forti- 
fications and the fortification itself is pretty well repre- 
sented by Federal soldiers. 

" Batteries are planted at different and all advantageous 



158 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

spots. We hear the council of war has decided that it is 
not practical to take the place by assault, but 'spades are 
trumps/ and by regular approaches the place must sur- 
render after General Gardner and his bosom friends see 
the folly of longer holding out. Every battery is sup- 
ported by several companies of infantry, and thus their 
safety is insured. 

"The 50th Regiment is engaged in this not very excit- 
ing life. Our boys grumbled a great deal when the guns 
were delivered to them in Boxford. They said, 'Give us 
rifles or give us corn brooms, but with these condemned, 
consumed old smooth bores, what part in closing up 
the Rebellion shall we have? ' 

" Lieutenant Warren said to me one day, ' Before they 
get back the boys may have cause to thank their stars 
that government gave them such guns,' and now I see 
the force of that remark. Regiments armed with most 
improved guns are detailed for picket duty, while we 
are bivouacking in the woods with not much to do, unless 
the enemy makes an attack upon our batteries, and the 
chance of their doing this is about as probable as their 
going up in a balloon. Our chances of getting hit are 
only from bullets that strike a tree, ricochet and go any- 
where. Sometimes they are altogether familiar. Stand- 
ing in the bayou talking to Pierce one night as we were 
taking our accustomed ablution, a minie ball came down 
and went spat into the sand at our feet. 'A miss is as 
good as a mile,' but I think one of us came very near 
being a subject for an obituary. 

"We are about six hundred yards from the earthworks, 
and one of the best points of observation is on the heights 
just above our camping ground. A good many curious 
ones go up to gratify their curiosity, and a good many 
come back with a bullet wound. I tried it and got back 
with a whole skin, but concluded that the risk was too 
great to indulge in often. Behind gigantic trees each 
one makes his own coffee; hard-tack is sent us by the box. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 159 

and this is our living. To us who at home are accustomed 
to sit in the lap of luxury and indulge in all the delicacies 
of the season, it seems like mean fare, but it is as good as 
our neighbors', and once in a while some one will get near 
enough the verge of dissipation to squander his bounty 
by buying a sheet of gingerbread of the sutler, and this is 
divided into small hunks and goes around, then we talk 
of Christmas cheer, Thanksgiving dinner and what we 
will do when we get home. Some days the wagons are 
behind with supplies and we make our meal of coffee, 
without. I can hardly conceive of the army existing 
without coffee. Everybody carries a supply of it in his 
haversack, and when nothing else is to be done a fire is 
started and numerous coffee dippers are steaming over 
it. This is the cup that cheers, but does not inebriate, 
the staff of life — victuals and drink. 

"Although the road down to Baton Rouge is considered 
open and under Federal control, nevertheless the trip is 
surrounded with many obstacles and bands of guerrillas 
infest the woods and are ready to waylay a solitary horse- 
man, and take his equipments, horse and all, consequently 
the baggage trains go well protected but are often delayed. 
I have seen young men belonging to the best families in 
Essex County, who at home lived in swell-front houses, 
so driven to hunger as to resort to an old bread box and 
pick out the crumbs that had lain for days subjected to 
an acquaintance with reptiles and vermin peculiar to 
these woods, and they are numerous and various. Snakes 
unknown to us only in history, lizards, tame and harmless, 
but not at all interesting, crawl around and over us, 
familiar as chickens. 

" Every day something new is told of the narrow escape 
we had — most miraculous it appears — in last week's 
assault. The old soldiers who have been out here these 
two years, and have fought all the way from Fort St. 
Philip to Vicksburg and back to New Orleans, say they 
have seen nothing like it before. How we came out of it 



160 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

as we did I can hardly conceive. The major told Captain 
Barnes the other day, that as we were going into the fight 
his most fervent prayer was that his detachment of the 
50th might come out safe, and they did; and I am sure 
that no one showed more courage and self-forgetfulness 
than this same plucky major of ours. As a general rule 
soldiers are not given to much praying — not in public 
places, and I have read of one old fighter who claimed 
special immunity of Providence upon a particular occasion 
as he troubled Him so seldom. Of the efficacy of prayer 
and its power to change the great program of nature, I 
think this climate and these surroundings are not calcu- 
lated to encourage discussions. 

" The supply train had brought up a few letters from 
home and news from the invalids at Baton Rouge. We 
learn that Amos Spofford, Messrs. Hunkins and Hyde 
have answered their last roll-call; their sickness has been 
so long continued that the result was not unexpected. 

"Sunday, 7th. Moved camp and are supporting a 
marine battery. The guns, of the heaviest caliber in the 
navy, were taken from the war vessels down the river and 
with incredible labor and trouble were landed behind 
strong earthworks, and are now battering away at the 
fortifications of Port Hudson. We have to accommodate 
ourselves to the occasion and the exigencies of the times. 
In making camps that are liable to be left in a few days, 
just enough is done to make them last for the present 
moment. As the colonel was passing ours, he observed 
that it looked the most elegant and commodious of any 
one he had seen, and proposed to engage apartments, 
which request was cheerfully granted. Tom is one of 
'ours' in this speculation. Now, Tom has been pro- 
moted to the pioneer corps and his status is denoted by 
what he calls o-'chivers' on his arm, and if there is a 
better worker in the great American army than Tom, I 
have yet to make his acquaintance. So Tom enlarged 
the boundaries of our dwelling, the colonel furnished a 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 161 

tent-fly, and our hotel is on front street-corner lot. The 
colonel and major, captain and staff, the sergeant major, 
Wildes and one or two others make up our family. 

"When men of rank call on the colonel to discuss 
matters, we small fry step out at the back door or do 
something menial to denote our inferiority, for be it 
known there is considerable more familiarity existing 
betwixt and between our field officers and members of 
Company K than is generally found in regiments. When 
much dignity is assumed, all of us who draw rations from 
the quartermaster bring it into the common table. The 
officers purchase a few luxuries, such as Hostetter's 
bitters, which cure all the ills that flesh is heir to, 
molasses gingerbread, that makes the heart glad, and 
upon the whole I think we might be much worse off. 
While clearing away the hash of our domicile we had a 
dispute with a copperhead snake who claimed proprietor- 
ship by right of squatter sovereignty, but the march of 
civilization was too much for him — he took to the bush. 
Although this old serpent dislikes the approach of man, 
nevertheless one can hardly help thinking about him 
when lying on the ground, once his happy home, for 
peradventure this subtle one might like once more to 
revisit these glades and, finding the condition of things, 
take offence; but as yet no one has been damaged by 
him. 

"To June 12. Still giving our aid to the marine bat- 
tery. This battery consists of five siege guns, the indi- 
vidual weight of each is five tons; a single shell kicks the 
beam at two hundred pounds, so the explosion is like 
the general breaking up of things terrestrial, and when the 
unbidden guest arrives at its destined point the effect 
must be direful. Standing some distance in the rear of 
this battery, we can see the shell just after it leaves the 
muzzle of the gun, and watching its instant progress we 
can see when it strikes the earthworks and something of 
its effects. Our duty in this connection is through the 



162 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

day to be within call of our guard. The nights are spent 
this wise: one night our regiment can sleep on the ground 
near the rifle pits, while some other regiment occupies the 
pits; the following night we take the pit, they take the 
bank. These monstrous guns continue their murderous 
work incessantly. Once in ten minutes a gun sends its 
messenger of death; then another does its duty; so day 
after day the work goes on. The tremendous weight of 
the gun requires a long interval between each loading to 
give time for cooling the piece. During the night, 
through this crash, when it seems appropriate to repeat 
some of Dr. Watts's hymns of the milder type or perhaps 
'swear a prayer or two,' we pull our blankets closer 
around us and within five rods of these guns sleep the 
long, long night away. Thus day follows day. 

"The heat is getting to be excessive, so very much so 
that only under pressing circumstances is any duty re- 
quired of us except during the night, then 'there is sound 
of revelry.' A few nights ago the regiment were out roll- 
ing cotton bales into place; we had stacked our guns and 
were busy at work; some blacks who were digging in the 
trenches were taken with a panic, and throwing their 
spades rushed for the rear, seeing a rebel in every stump, 
running over us, and we, supposing the enemy were right 
upon us, fell back to our gun stacks and made ready to 
receive them with open arms; but none came, for the good 
reason that none were there. These colored soldiers are 
said to fight nobly; we know that they are great on back- 
ward advances; they will beat the world on making 
charges to the rear. 

"On the outskirts of the town of Port Hudson, about 
a mile from the earthworks, there is a cotton-gin mill in 
the center of what was before the war a large cotton plan- 
tation. It stands on the edge of a cotton field, contain- 
ing twelve hundred acres. Standing in the upper story 
of this mill, one can see the enormous tract of growing 
corn through its entirety. It was planted by its owners 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 163 

last spring for their own advantage, but the spoiler came, 
and it is now being cut for the cavalry and artillery- 
horses; teams are drawing it away morning and night, to 
be delivered at its various places along the line. It has 
attained to a growth of ten feet and upward, and if it 
could live its natural life it would bid fair to be con- 
siderably more than half a crop. 

"The cotton mill is the headquarters of the 50th Regi- 
ment. When one becomes unfit for duty, what is called 
'kinder played out,' he goes back to the cotton-gin to 
rest and invigorate. The few straggling negroes that 
hang around here with some of the harum-scarum of the 
regiment keep up a perpetual circus, so one gets well in 
spite of himself. This mill is in perfect condition, a large 
quantity of unginned cotton is stored in the upper loft. 
The gin is a northern invention with the maker's name 
— Jerry Morse — 'spelt by the unlettered muse,' painted 
on its forefront. The whole process is before us, from 
the growing cotton to the raw material to cotton in 
bales. The old sweep and press are just in the condition 
as before the northern barbarians appeared. 

" The cooks of the regiment are located in a very roman- 
tic spot, down in a ravine where floats the water in the 
bayou. The stores come along quite regularly, and it 
looks like pleasant times. 

"The Port Hudson and Clinton Railroad runs along in 
our immediate vicinity; an old hand-car has been found 
and the young men of the army keep it rolling along and 
call it fun. 

' ' Saturday, 13th. To-day the orders were that a general 
bombardment would take place for one hour about noon. 
The morning was consumed in making arrangements and 
getting into place. The infantry regiments, whose occu- 
pation was gone for the nonce, took the highest seats 
attainable and were admiring spectators. When the 
light batteries with their caissons, each drawn by four 
and six horses, came out on to the plain and received 



164 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

their orders, then moved with the greatest speed away, 
followed immediately by others, the loud word of com- 
mand, the bugle call, the tramp of horses, the rumbling 
and rattling of artillery wheels, the clouds of dust rolling 
up and away, and the anticipation of the coming cannon- 
ading and hopes for decisive and favorable results, raised 
our spirits to a high pitch of enthusiasm, and in abler 
hands would make a chapter worthy of a place in a dime 
novel. 

"Soon the first gun was fired, and immediately com- 
menced a general cannonading the entire length of the 
line, which from one point on the river bank around to 
the other is about seven miles; the general shape is some- 
thing like a half circle. Imagine hundreds of guns of 
the heaviest metal in the service, loading and firing with 
the utmost rapidity possible; think of the infernal com- 
motion of this continuous thundering, explosion follow- 
ing explosion faster than one can count, and this for one 
hour. After a few minutes the smoke enveloped every- 
thing; nothing could be seen. Once in a while for a 
moment a breath of air would lift the smoke, and all 
that could be seen was a huge cloud of dust hanging like 
a huge veil over the entire works. Our cannoneers had 
got their proper bearings, and their orders were simply 
to 'load and fire.' After the hour advertised had ex- 
pired, certain high officials were sent under a flag of truce 
into the enemy's lines to see what conclusion had been 
arrived at. Toward night they came back with the 
short and pith}^ answer, 'If you want Port Hudson you 
had better come and take it.' As this kind of logic obli- 
gated something more than breath, we found ourselves 
in about the same latitude as we were in the morning. 

"As this 'tear' is expected to be followed by a calm, 
a good night's rest was reckoned on. Pleasantly and 
happily we wrapped our blankets about us, and then 
General Dudley's orderly reined up his fiery steed with 
orders for Major Hodges to report, with what companies 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 165 

of the 50th were in camp, to the headquarters of General 
Dwight, several miles away to the left. As this was a 
matter that admitted of no delay, our harnesses were 
buckled on and six companies of us were soon feeling our 
way in the dark woods to some undiscovered country. 

"After a march of about three miles, we reported to 
General Dwight for orders. On coming to a halt, we 
found the 48th Massachusetts waiting for orders like our- 
selves. They immediately left, and when the major 
returned with orders to follow the 48th, they had got so 
far ahead of us that on coming to a division in the road 
no sign was left which way to follow, so we were brought 
to a standstill. Here was a hospital, formerly a cotton- 
gin. One unfortunate fellow was laid out on the table 
undergoing some surgical operation, while around were 
invalids and convalescents sleeping or awake. The major 
ordered me to go back to Dwight's and ask for a guide, 
so being of an accommodating disposition and standing in 
mortal fear of my superiors, I wandered back as far as 
the crossroads and there found myself lost. 

' 'T was at the dead hour of midnight,' 

twenty-five hundred miles away from the cot where I 
was born, and not a familiar tree or shrub in sight. 
I thought then to inquire of the first man that passed 
that way — when he came. Traveling on, I saw the 
light of a camp-fire, and made for it. Around it was a 
group of negroes who did n't know General Dwight from 
General Dow. Wandering from one camp-fire to another, 
at each of which the same questions were asked and like 
answers returned, a more perfect set of know-nothings 
I never got among. I thought of a certain time when 
a dark-lantern society met in Tammany; and one O. 
Thompson used to say, 'You see a man there writing 
his name, but you don't know what he is doing.' 

"Moving again, I was suddenly brought up by a deep- 
toned voice ordering me to halt or prepare to die. As- 



166 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

suming a deathly whisper, I said, 'My military friend, 
conduct me to General Dwight's tent and leave me.* 
After a little delay I was ushered into the presence of 
this mighty man who was standing among a group of 
officers, in all the pride and panoply of glorious war. 
Estimating my own uniform to be worth one dollar and 
twenty-five cents, I judge each man must have had a 
respectable farm spread out on his body. I am ready to 
believe that they are extravagant of their store clothes, 
or they don't intend to get begrimed with powder to- 
morrow. Intimating a desire to know the cause of my 
nocturnal visit, I stated to General Dwight who I was, 
who sent me, and what I wanted. He acknowledged a 
forgetfulness, which apology of course I accepted, and 
ordered that I be provided with a guide. Then return- 
ing, I followed my military friend out among the tents. 

"Throwing open one, he caught hold of a cavalry boot 
and pulled it out, and with it came a man who, after get- 
ting his eyes open, sweetly inquired what the was 

wanted. In a birdlike way he was told to saddle his 
horse and go with me. I have heard of folks who swore 
like troopers, and I think this man was the identical 
trooper. All the way back he kept it up. I asked him 
if he felt very bad and had it often, and then he swore 
again. I recommended him to take something, sorry I 
had n't some whiskey for him — good whiskey, too. He 
was the most unreasonable man I ever met. I gave him 
a tract, and soon we arrived at our place at the head of 
the regiment and then again commenced the march. 

"A large part of the way was over an unfrequented 
road through a dense wood. The tree tops interlocked 
each other over our heads and the darkness was thick 
enough to cut with a knife. The major rode by the side 
of the guide; Captain Barnes held on to the major's 
stirrup, then in single file, pinned to each other's coat-tails, 
we followed along; sometimes down in the wheel rut, then 
in a mud hole, then up on the ridge. Once or twice we 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 167 

came to a clearing where was one of the inland plantations 
like Hugh Legree's in 'Uncle Tom's Cabin.' Occasion- 
ally we would find a little group of men sitting at the foot 
of a tree. Who are you? 0th men, Massachusetts, 
I am sorry to say. The whole story is they are cursed 
cowards, and under the cover of darkness get lost and 
don't find their way out till after to-morrow's fight is over. 

"After an hour's march we came out on open ground 
near the river. Down below us, Porter's mortar fleet is 
anchored and the mortars are at work. Here was one of 
the finest pyrotechnical displays possible to conceive of. 
The steady orthodox bom-bom of the mortars is entirely 
different from the sharp crack of the rifled cannon or the 
thunder tone of the heavy siege guns. They steadily 
throw shell after shell, rising with a graceful curve over 
our heads hundreds of feet in the air, then after arriving 
at their extreme height, gently falling faster and faster 
as they near the earth, striking and bursting, waking the 
echoes among the woods and on the waters. 

"Continuing the march we soon came upon detach- 
ments of the sleeping army. Filing in among them about 
one o'clock we came to a halt, stacked arms and slept. 
The major left in such haste that he found himself entirely 
destitute of a blanket. Captain Barnes and myself had 
one each, and spreading one on the ground took the 
major between us — and then I was asleep. 

"I had just commenced a very pleasant dream when 
the rattle of a drum and the cannonading told us to be 
stirring. It was just at daybreak. Our place of bivouac 
appeared to be a large cane field. In all directions regi- 
ments were forming in line. Batteries were coming into 
place, unlimbering and commencing work. Presently 
the storm party moved out and started to make the 
attack. Many of them carried bags of cotton and bundles 
of fagots to fill the ditches, the forlorn hope passed in, 
and the ambulance corps with its stretchers — this looks 
like as cool a piece of business as anything I have seen. 



168 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

The reflection is not pleasant. Somebody is to be brought 
out on them soon, mangled and bloody. After a little 
delay all began to move. Marching along we soon 
found our place, and found it an uncommon warm one in 
the vicinity of a battery. This whole reserve force, con- 
sisting of many regiments, was halted and then the firing 
increased. We laid down between the rows in the cane 
field and hugged the ground with a loving embrace. One 
gun in the fortifications had got the range of this battery, 
and the shells burst in a frightfully careless way over and 
around us. 

"A more beautiful Sunday morning, with clearer skies, 
the sun never shone upon than this same June 14, but 
this kind of a thing excludes all devotional thoughts or 
exercises. The question is, how long is this thing going 
to continue? 

"With impatience we wait for the word to move. 
Anything but this waiting to be shot. Crash goes a shell 
thi'ough the tree top just over our heads. A large limb 
is cut off and falls almost upon us. Pieces of shell buzz 
through the air and go, some to the rear, some strike 
the ground so near that the cold chills creep over us." 

Diary of Corpl. Henry H. Johnson, Company F: 

"Was relieved from guard at the bayou about five 
o'clock P.M. At dark ordered into the rifle pits of the 
marine battery and stayed there about an hour, when we 
were ordered to return to our quarters and pack every- 
thing immediately. We then marched to the left about 
half a mile, stacked arms and went to work rolling cotton 
bales towards the rebel breastworks to make a battery. 
After we did that we were set to work digging rifle pits. 
About midnight sharp firing commenced on our right 
and extended opposite to where we were to work. Some 
negroes at work on the new battery got scared and made 
a rush for the rear. Thinking the rebels were charging 
on us, we ran for the guns which were stacked about half 
a mile in the rear. Four companies only being at work 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 169 

during the first part of the night, the others were ordered 
to reUeve us, taking their guns with them. After every- 
thing was quiet we lay down in the rear of our stacks, 
where we slept soundly till morning, when we returned to 
our old quarters." 



170 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 



CHAPTER XV 

SURRENDER OF PORT HUDSON DEMANDED — SPECIAL 

ORDERS ASSAULT OF JUNE 1 4 GENERAL PAINE's 

DIARY — BURIAL OF THE DEAD — CORRESPONDENCE 
BETWEEN GENERAL BANKS AND GENERAL HALLECK 

THE heavy artillery fire of June 13 was preliminary 
to the contemplated assault of the next day. On 
the evening of the 13th those companies of the 
regiment stationed at the marine battery were ordered to 
fall in and a little later, under the command of Major 
Hodges, marched out over fields and through woods, into 
almost impenetrable blackness towards the river on our 
left by the way of Slaughter's plantation. It was a 
stealthy and silent march, the men keeping in line only 
by touching those in front of them. We had been ordered 
to report to General Dwight and reached his command 
about one in the morning, stacked guns, and threw our- 
selves upon the ground for a brief rest. 

On June 13 the following correspondence took place 
between General Banks and General Gardner in relation 
to the surrender of Port Hudson: 

Headquarters Department of the Gulf, 
Nineteenth Army Corps, 
Before Port Hudson, June 13, 1863. 
Sir: Respect for the usages of war and a desire to avoid un- 
necessary sacrifice of life impose upon me the necessity of formally 
demanding the surrender of the garrison of Port Hudson. I am 
not unconscious in making this demand that the garrison is capable 
of continuing a vigorous and gallant defence. The events that 
have transpired during the pending investment exhibit in the 
commander and garrison a spirit of constancy and courage that, 
in a different cause, would be universally regarded as heroism, but 
I know the extremities to which they are reduced. I have many 




DAVID BOYNTON HFNRV t hot a/tuc 

1st Lieut. Co. F, 50th Mass. lst^t^,f r Jr ?nV^M^ 

JOH\ P. BRADSTREET ' "" ''°'^ ^^''• 

P A SAWYER ^""^ ^'^"'' ^"' ^'^' ^^^^ ^^^^^- JAMES HOWE 

Hospital Steward, 50th Mass. ^''^'^^ F loth Mals''''*'"'^ 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 171 

deserters and prisoners of war. I have captured the couriers of 
the garrison, and have in my possession the secret dispatches of 
the commander. I have at my command a train of artillery sel- 
dom equaled in extent and efficiency, which no ordinary fortress 
can successfully resist, and an infantry force of greatly superior 
niunbers and most determined purpose, that cannot fail to place 
Port Hudson in my possession at my will. To push the contest to 
extremities, however, may place the protection of life beyond the 
control of the commanders of the respective forces. I desire to 
avoid unnecessary slaughter, and I therefore demand the immediate 
surrender of the garrison, subject to such conditions only as are 
imposed by the usages of civilized warfare. I have the honor to 
be, sir, 

Very respectfully, 

Your most obedient servant, 

N. P. BANKS, 
Major-General Commanding. 
Maj.-Gen. Frank Gardner, C.S. Army, 

Commanding Port Hudson. 

Sir: Your note of this date has just been handed to me, and in 
reply I have to state that my duty requires me to defend this 
position, and therefore I decline to surrender. 
I have the honor to be, sir. 

Very respectfidly. 

Your obedient servant, 

FRANK GARDNER, 
Major-General Commanding C.S. Forces. 
Maj.-Gen. N. P. Banks, 

Commanding U.S. Forces near Port Hudson. 

Headquarters Department of the Gulf, 

Before Port Hudson, June 13, 1863. 
Special Orders, 
No. 140. 



VIII. 4.30 P.M. Col. B. H. Grierson, 6th Illinois Cavalry, 
commanding cavalry, will at once send the companies of the Ist 
Louisiana Cavalry and unattached Massachusetts cavalry (Magee's 
and Perkins's) under his command to Brig.-Gen. William Dwight, 
coDomanding 2d Division. 

IX. 4.30 P.M. After establishing a line of pickets, only covering 
the roads leading from the rear to Port Hudson, Colonel Grierson 



172 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

will detach Col. Edward Prince, 7th Illinois Cavalry, with 300 
cavalry, and the pieces of artillery belonging to the Cavalry Brigade, 
and order him to take post in the field in rear of the colored troops 
iinder Colonel Nelson, on our right, to prevent the escape of the 
enemy through the space between the right of General Grover and 
the left of Colonel Nelson. 

X. Colonel Grierson, having made the details and established 
the picket line directed by paragraphs VIII and IX of this order, 
will report at these headquarters with the remainder of his command 
at seven o'clock this evening. 

XI. Division commanders will at once see that a sufficient 
reserve of anomunition for the infantry and light artillery of their 
divisions is not only provided, but also placed where it can be 
readily reached, and issued when needed. 

XII. 8.45 P.M. Col. N. A. M. Dudley, commanding the 3d 
Brigade, 1st Division, will detail one regiment of infantry to pro- 
ceed at once to the headquarters of the 2d Division, and report 
for temporary duty to Brig.-Gen. William Dwiglit, commanding 
the division. 

XIII. 8.45 P.M. Major-General Augur will order the 48th 
Massachusetts, Colonel Stone, to proceed at once to the head- 
quarters of the 2d Division, and report for temporary duty to Brig.- 
Gen. William Dwight, commanding the division. 

XIV. 8.45 P.M. Col. N. A. M. Dudley, commanding the 3d 
Brigade, 1st Division, will report for orders with two regiments 
of his brigade to Brigadier-General Grover, commanding right 
wing, to support the attack. 

XV. 11.30 P.M. A general assault upon the works of the 
enemy at Port Hudson will be made to-morrow morning, 14th 
instant. The following directions will be observed, and the follow- 
ing information is given for the benefit of those principally con- 
cerned: General Grover with his command, including two regiments 
of Colonel Dudley's brigade, under Colonel Dudley, will make a 
vigorous and determined assault at the point in front of Colonel 
Dudley's present position, already indicated to him. The artillery 
cross-fire in front of this point of attack will commence at three a.m., 
and, excepting such as may have been placed under his directions, 
will cease only on intimation from General Grover to these head- 
quarters that he desires it to cease. The attacks by skirmishers 
will commence at three thirty a.m. or as soon thereafter as General 
Grover may find best. A detachment of the 1st Louisiana Engi- 
neers, xinder Captain Jones, has been directed to report to General 
Grover, with entrenching tools and sand bags, to take position, 
unless otherwise ordered by him, near the twelve-pounder rifle 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 173 

battery. General Augur will, in pursuance of orders already given, 
detail two regiments of Colonel Dudley's brigade, vmder Colonel 
Dudley, to report to General Grover, and two regiments as already 
ordered to report to General Dwight. With the remainder of his 
command. General Augur will make a feigned attack on the part 
of the works in front of Holcomb's battery and slaughterhouse, 
to be made vigorously, and converted into a real attack should 
circumstances favor it. He will also hold his command in readiness 
to support either General Grover or General Dwight, in pursuance 
of orders that may be given from these headquarters. A heavy 
fire of artillery will open on this point of attack at two forty- 
five A.M. 

At three fifteen a.m. the attack by skirmishers will be briskly 
made. An officer, to be designated by Colonel Hodge, will report 
to General Augur, with a detaclunent of the 1st Louisiana Engineers, 
and with entrenching tools and sand bags to take position, unless 
otherwise ordered by General Augur, near Holcomb's battery, on 
the road leading from his headquarters to Port Hudson. 

General Dwight, with his command, including two regiments to 
be sent him by General Augur, will make an attempt to gain an 
entrance to the enemy's works on our extreme left. Should this 
attempt fail, it will be properly reported to these headquarters, 
and the same will be done in case of its success. In the former 
case the command will be held in readiness to move promptly to 
re-enforce at other points, in pursuance of orders that may be given 
from these headquarters. 

A detaclunent of the 1st Louisiana Engineers, provided with 
entrenching tools and sand bags, will report to General Dwight, and 
take position, unless otherwise ordered by him, on the road on our 
extreme left leading to Port Hudson, as near the works as cover 
may be foimd, General Dwight to move at such time after three 
thirty a.m. to-morrow as he may deem most expedient. Generals 
Augur, Grover and Dwight will not wait for signals, but act at 
the time specified herein without further orders. The standard 
is the telegraph time at these headquarters. 

General Arnold will have charge of all artillery in position ex- 
cepting such as he may have placed under the direction of division 
commanders. A reserve of engines, and troops mider Colonel 
Hodge, with tools and sand bags, will be stationed near General 
Augur's headquarters. General Banks's headquarters will be, 
during the action at the barn, near the naval battery. All appli- 
cations for re-enforcements will be made to these headquarters. 
Either of the three commanders of a point of attack is authorized 



174 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

to order the fire of artillery near him to cease, if he finds it incon- 
veniencing his troops or movements. He will report his acts to 
those headquarters. 

By Command of Majok-General BANKS. 
Richard B. Irwin, 

Assistant Adjutant General. 

It appears by special order No. 140 that in the assault 
of June 14 General Grover was in command in that part 
of the line in front of where General Dudley's brigade 
had been located. Grover was on the extreme right, 
and next to him on the left came General Augur, and on 
the extreme left General Dwight, to whom the 50th had 
been temporarily assigned. 

About three in the morning, at the first approach of 
dawn, we were aroused, partook of hot coffee, and as we 
understood were ordered to the assault, being expected 
to cross a deep ravine and carry the works upon the 
opposite side. Here again it was said the order was 
countermanded on account of our smooth bores, and the 
regiment was probably saved from being cut to pieces. 

It was a beautiful Sabbath morning, but the usual 
quiet associated with the day was disturbed by a terrific 
roar of artillery and firing of infantry in the battle that 
raged along the lines. After a time the regiment was 
ordered into a piece of woods to await further orders, 
where we remained during the day in comparative safety, 
taking no active part during the assault 

Account of Comrade Howe of Company F: 

"At daylight we formed on the left of Nickerson's 
brigade in line of battle. We were in position but a 
short time when we were ordered, 'companies right 
wheel,' and marched towards the front. Just before 
getting out of the woods, learning of the ill success of 
the brigades in front of us, we halted and remained in 
this position the rest of the day, every minute expecting 
the order to charge on the enemy's works, but no order 
came. At night we were thrown out as pickets very 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 175 

near the breastworks, so near we could hear them talk 
inside. Another Sunday fight and another Sunday de- 
feat. Everywhere on the line we were repulsed with 
great loss, many officers being killed and wounded." 

Account of Sergeant Nelson: 

"Attention! Forward! In a breath of time the whole 
regiment is alive with men in solid column, moving 
upward toward the earthworks. This is a time that tries 
men's pluck. Now we begin to meet the ambulance 
corps bringing out the wounded on stretchers. With 
slow and careful steps they move with their burdens to 
the rear. It was here that I met Captain Todd of the 
48th (whom I well knew in milder times), with the blood 
streaming from his mouth, wounded by a piece of shell. 
The dead are lying all around us. One innocent smooth- 
faced boy lay so directly in our way that I was obliged 
to step over him. There he lay with his childish face 
turned heavenward, holding his musket with a deadly 
grasp. Still moving on, I shall never forget the deter- 
mined look of some of my comrades, the mouth firmly 
shut, the lips drawn tight. We all felt that this was 
the most critical moment we had yet seen. We were 
just about to enter the jaws of death; he will be fortu- 
nate who comes back. Soon we enter the belt of wood 
where the whole command is halted, and after a few 
minutes we find that we are to remain here for the 
present. 

"The hours passed slowly. We dared not leave for 
any purpose, and consequently everything beyond what 
we could see immediately near us was pure guesswork. 
It appeared like a disappointment, a failure or a fizzle. 
The regiment immediately behind us was a New York 
Zou Zou, and upon coming to a rest we were brought 
together, so we stacked our guns and related our experi- 
ence to each other, the term of enlistment, ' how long this 
thing is going to hold out, and hopes for the future. 
They had coffee and we had none, we had hard-tack and 



176 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

they had n't, so betwixt us all we ' licked the platter 
clean.' After the tables were cleared we sat under the 
trees and wandered back to New York. Very many of 
these Zouaves are members of the first families in New 
York City, nice appearing, well-educated gentlemen, and 
taken as a body they are the finest set of fellows I ever 
saw. 

"Toward night we were ordered to form and move back; 
passed many reminders of the fight, and that is all we can 
tell about it. Soldiers are always giving their opinions, 
and they are unanimous that the assault is a failure. 
Appearances were never stronger than the present ones. 
After dark we arrived somewhere and were posted by 
companies to guard something. Company K was divided 
into three squads, with strictest orders for one of the 
officers to keep constantly on the alert, as a break was 
expected to be made by rebels through our forces. It 
appears that they are as anxious to get out as we are to 
get in, and the only difficulty arising is the terms of making 
the change. They say the place is not large enough for 
both; we say it is, and will convince them of its truth 
soon. Captain Barnes was very sick all night with no 
remedies at hand, so he lay on the ground and Bradstreet 
and the orderly took turns walking. If I ever suffered it 
was this night. I know of no suffering equal to being 
obliged to keep awake when every bone, muscle, fiber and 
the very hairs of one's head are tired to death. The 
perfection of torture is reached when, as in Japan, the 
most diabolical crimes are punished by death for want of 
sleep. We would take turns sleeping and watching, a 
moment's standstill and I was fast asleep. The lieutenant 
was worse off than myself, if possible; but the longest 
night of my life passed, and when morning broke upon us 
a mortar battery was found to be the object of our solici- 
tude. It must be a great relief to the general command- 
ing to know of its safety. 

"The sun was high in the heavens when we took up the 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 177 

line of march to our old quarters. Dr. Cogswell kindly 
relieved me of everything of any weight, so with feeble 
steps we got home again, where the cooks had prepared us 
a sumptuous repast of stewed beans, which were devoured 
just as hungry men will eat who have been without board 
for thirty-six hours." 

The following order of General Paine indicates the 
method of assault that was contemplated: 

1. The hand grenade men carry their pieces on their backs, and 
carry each one grenade. They march three paces in rear of their 
line of skirmishers. Having thrown their grenades, they go on as 
skirmishers. 

2. The cotton-bag bearers march at head of column, two hundred 
paces in rear of skirmishers. They fill the ditch to company front. 
Having deposited the bags, they take arms and march at the head 
of the colimin. 

3. The whole movement will be in quick time; no double 
quick; but in case the skirmishers encounter batteries which they 
can take by double quick advance, they will move in that step. 

4. The skirmishers will clamber upon the parapet, followed 
by the carriers of hand grenades, which will be thrown over into 
the works as soon as the skirmishers are on the outer slope of the 
parapets. The skirmishers will then rush in, and gain ground 
forward, fighting, lying down, etc., according to circmnstances. 

5. As soon as the column is within the works, each brigade 
will form line of battle, and lie down imtil the artillery is brought 
up, unless circumstances should necessitate different orders. 

6. Each regimental commander will read these instructions 
to his command, and will carefully explain to his own troops their 
particular duties. 

7. Each regiment, when forming in the night, will move silently, 
the officers speaking in a low tone. 

8. The men will carry two days' rations of hard bread in their 
haversacks, forty roimds of ammunition in their cartridge boxes 
and twenty roimds in their pockets. The knapsacks will be left 
in camp under a guard of convalescents. 

By Command of Brig.-Gen. H. E. PAINE. 

The assault commenced between three and four a.m., 
continued into the forenoon, and as on May 27 proved 
an utter failure. The attack was not simultaneous along 



178 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

the entire line. Some of the heaviest fighting and con- 
siderable loss occurred in front of where we had been 
supporting the marine battery, in which General Paine 
was conspicuous. 

General Paine's diary: 

" 14th. At two A.M. began to form my division for the 
assault. It was covered by a heavy cannonade in which 
a battery of Dahlgren guns behind my division and served 
by sailors participated. Our advance was checked at 
ninety yards from the place we attacked. I went from 
the head of the column to the line of skirmishers, and, 
while giving an order to advance as loudly as I possibly 
could, at the first word of which the men sprang forward, 
was struck soon after daylight by a rifle ball and fell in 
the midst of many dead and wounded about fifty yards 
from the enemy's works, into which portions of the 4th 
Wisconsin and 8th New Hampshire penetrated. I have 
no official information and very little knowledge of the 
subsequent operations of the division. Slight ridges of 
the field which had formerly been cultivated protected 
me from the fire of the enemy, which broke out with great 
fury as often as the intolerable heat compelled me to 
move. Two soldiers, whose names I have not yet been 
able to ascertain, attempted to reach me with a stretcher 
and fell near me. Private Patrick Cohen, of the 133d 
New York, lying wounded near me, tossed me a canteen 
cut from the dead body of a soldier. That, doubtless, 
saved my life. In the evening I was rescued by a party 
under Colonel Kimball, 53d Massachusetts. I think I 
should have had my division within the fortification in 
less than twenty minutes if I had not been wounded, but 
with a fearful addition to the slaughter of brave men 
from which the eventual surrender saved me." 

"Southern Historical Society Papers," page 328: 

"June 13, 1863. That night we were shelled from the 
mortar boats and pounded by the land batteries. Just 
before daylight on June 14 they massed their forces in 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 179 

front of the left of our center and under a heavy fire of 
our artillery a simultaneous attack was made upon the 
1st Mississippi, the 49th Alabama and the isolated position 
held by the 15th Arkansas. Against the latter but one 
charge was made; against the former desperate efforts 
were made with no success. The ground immediately 
in front, being much broken, afforded facilities for the 
Federals to form their troops in line of battle protected 
from our fire. 

"Their advanced line was composed of three picked 
regiments, the 4th Wisconsin, 8th New Hampshire and 
a New York regiment, preceded by two hundred and 
fifty select men with hand grenades. These all fought 
gallantly, but the main body in the rear evidently could 
not be induced to come up to their support. The Fed- 
erals at first pressed heavily upon the right, where the 
49th Alabama was stationed, and it became necessary to 
close our men down in that direction, leaving a portion 
of the line almost entirely unprotected, which movement 
came near proving highly disastrous to us. The smoke 
was so thick that nothing could be seen more than twenty 
steps in advance, and before our troops were aware of it 
the Federals were pouring into the ditches and scaling 
our breastworks on the left. A rapid counter movement, 
however, frustrated their designs, and they were driven 
backwards with considerable slaughter. Again and again 
they rallied, but were each time repulsed and forced to 
seek shelter in the ravines behind them, and there to 
re-form their scattered ranks. In several instances their 
skirmishers succeeded in gaining our ditches and hurling 
their grenades over the parapets, many of which failed 
to explode and were thrown back at them by our boys. 
The engagement lasted from four till eight o'clock, when 
the Federals were driven back for the last time, leaving 
a large number of their dead and wounded on the field. 
The ground in front of our works was blue with their 
uniforms, and the weeds and bushes still farther forward 



180 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

were strewn with them. At one point in our ditches 
fourteen dead bodies were counted in a single group. 
Across the road leading to Troth's Landing, and in front 
of our extreme right, the enemy in line of battle came 
charging on with four regimental colors streaming in the 
wind; at the same time another line of battle in front of 
the left of the right wing, stretching across the lower part 
of Gibbon's field; both of these were repulsed by the fire 
of our artillery. After this, our ammunition being scarce, 
the men were not allowed to fire at their inclination, only 
a few of the best shots being permitted to fire at inter- 
vals, when good opportunity offered. 

"For several nights after this our columbiads sent 
eight and ten inch shells over the heads of our own troops 
on the land line until our stock of reliable fuses was 
exhausted. Five weeks of this kind of work passed away 
without rest to our men either by night or by day, on 
account of the nightly shellings of the Federal land and 
water forces. This, combined with continued exposure to 
the sun, rain and night dews, brought on much sickness. 
Our stock of medicines proved to be even shorter than 
our stock of provisions; an increasing list of chills and 
fever exhausted our quinine. Ipecac took its place as 
long as it lasted, and nothing was left but a decoction of 
indigenous barks to check fever, that did not effect any 
wonderful cures so far as heard from." 

In the assault of the 14th two companies of the 4th 
Wisconsin went over the works and were captured because 
not sufficiently supported, and altogether the attempt to 
carry the line of fortifications was a lamentable failure, 
attended with great loss of life. Our loss was reported 
to have been 203 killed and 1,401 wounded. Many poor 
fellows were left wounded upon the field, and no success- 
ful effort seems to have been made to bring them off till 
the 17th. In the mean time, suffering excruciating pain, 
under a blistering sun, without food or water, one hun- 
dred and thirteen perished, and only one survived to be 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 181 

brought in under the flag of truce, Charles E. Conant, of 
the 8th New Hampshire. For a few hours there was a 
cessation of hostilities; the men went over the field, col- 
lected the dead bodies, bore them within our lines on 
stretchers, and buried them in a common trench. 

Headquarters United States Forces, 
Before Port Hudson, June 15, 1863. 
Sir: I have the honor to request your permission to send a 
small quantity of medical and hospital supplies within your works, 
for the comfort of my wounded in your hands, and of such of your 
own as you may desire to use them for. 
Very respectfully. 

Your obedient servant, 

N. P. BANKS, 
Major-General Commanding. 
Maj.-Gen. Frank Gardner, 

Commanding C.S. Forces, Port Hudson. 

Headquarters Port Hudson, La., June 15, 1863. 
Sir: In reply to your note of this date, I have the honor to state 
that I will send out to meet any party you may wish to send in with 
such medicines and hospital supplies as you may desire to send 
for your wounded in my possession. I take the liberty to inform 
you (deeming that you are probably ignorant of the fact) that 
there are a few of your dead and woimded in the vicinity of my 
breastworks, and I have attempted to give succor to your woxinded, 
but your sharpshooters have prevented it. 

I am, sir, very respectfully. 

Your obedient servant, 

FRANK GARDNER, 
Major-General Commanding C.S. Forces. 
Maj.-Gen. N. P. Banks, 

Commanding United States Forces near Port Hudson, La. 

Headquarters Second Division, 
Nineteenth Army Corps, 
Before Port Hudson, June 15, 1863. 
General Orders, 
No. 4. 
The brigadier general commanding the division congratulates 
the troops on the brave advance they made yesterday, and the 
ground they gained from the enemy, and which they now hold . 



182 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

Every such approach toward the enemy must discourage and 
distress the rebel force, but to do this it is important that not a 
step of ground be lost; that from every ravine and from every 
artificial cover our riflemen shall annoy and destroy the rebels 
within their works. It is important, then, that our soldiers shall 
get such advanced positions that the enemy cannot move about 
within their works in safety. The brigadier general commanding 
has to complain that regimental commanders do not keep their 
men well enough in hand, and that line officers do not keep the 
soldiers in ranks with sufficient strictness. These faults must be 
corrected. No soldiers can march to an assault who fail to pre- 
serve their formation strictly; no advance can be well held when 
soldiers are suffered to leave ranks ; no sharpshooters or skirmishers 
can be effective unless controlled by their line officers. Regimental 
commanders do not preserve control over their regiments when 
they allow their soldiers to mingle with the soldiers of other regi- 
ments on the battlefield. The proper intervals of regiments must, 
under all circumstance, be preserved. When regiments are crowded 
they are inefficient and sometimes uselessly exposed. 

By Order of Brigadier-General DWIGHT. 
WicKHAM Hoffman, 

Assistant Adjutant General. 

From the following correspondence it appears there 
was some disaffection among the nine-months troops, 
caused by their detention after their term of enlistment 
had expired: 

Headquarters Department of the Gulf, 
Nineteenth Army Corps, 
Before Port Hudson, June 18, 1863. 
General: I respectfully request that I may be informed by re- 
turn mail what is the decision of the War Department on the ques- 
tion when the terms of service of the nine-months regiments expire. 
These regiments originally claimed that their term of service expired 
by companies. They now understand that the term of the whole 
regiment expires with that of the last company, and the governor 
of Massachusetts has distributed notices to that effect to the regi- 
ments from that state. But, in the absence of instructions, I shall 
decide that their term is to be reckoned, first, from date of muster 
of the regiment as a regiment: secondly, if no such formal muster 
was ever made, from the date of muster in of the field and staff. 
As this decision is likely to create considerable feeling among this 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 183 

class of troops, many of whom think they have already exceeded 
the period for which they enlisted, I urge that the matter be settled 
at once by higher authority. 

Very respectfully. 

Your obedient servant, 

N. P. BANKS, 
Major-General Commanding. 
Maj.-Gen. H. W. Halleck, 

General-in-Chief, Washington, D.C. 

Headquarters Department of the Gulf, 
Nineteenth Army Corps, 
Before Port Hudson, June 18, 1863. 

General: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your 
dispatches of June 3 and 4, which reached me yesterday. Since 
I have been in the army I have done all in my power to comply 
with my orders. It is so with the position which I now occupy. 
I came here not only for the purpose of cooperating with General 
Grant, but by his own suggestion and appointment. Before I 
left Brashear City he sent me information by a special messenger 
from the fleet, that he would send me by Black River a corps of 
20,000 men, to aid in the reduction of Port Hudson, preliminary 
to an attack on Vicksburg. Later, while at Opelousas, I received 
from him a dispatch in cipher, referring to the assistance promised, 
and naming the 25th of May as the day when his force would join me. 
I replied that I would be at Port Hudson on that day. I reached 
Bayou Sara on the 23d of May, and advanced immediately. A 
few days previous I received, from the general, information that 
in consequence of a successful engagement with the enemy near 
Grand Gulf, he had moved to Jackson, and doubted if he could aid 
me and requested me to join him. It was out of my power as I 
was then situated, having no communication, excepting by the 
Atchafalaya, with New Orleans, and no transportation, excepting 
that which came that way, to do so, and I immediately answered 
him that it would be impossible for me to transport my troops 
there in season to aid him. 

The next day, however, desirous to do all I could to bring our 
forces together, I informed him that I would send to him all the 
troops I could, and sent my dispatch by Brigadier-General Dwight, 
who knew well my situation, and adding to my communication, 
that if I had 5,000 men to aid me in reducing Port Hudson, I could 
join him at once with all my forces. General Dwight returned 
with an answer from General Grant that I should move against 
Port Hudson at once, and that he would send me the troops I 
wanted, but desired I should not wait for them. It was upon 



184 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

this statement of his purpose that I moved to Port Hudson. Cop- 
ies of all these dispatches have been sent to your headquarters. 

It was not vmtil after my assault on the works, the 27th of May, 
that I learned from Colonel Riggin, his aide-de-camp, who brought 
his message, that he could not spare the troops. It seemed to aU 
my officers that the speedy reduction of the post was certain. It 
seemed so to Colonel Riggin, who thought that Port Hudson should 
be first reduced, and that we were holding in this locality, inside 
and outside of the Port, more of the enemy's troops than we could 
carry of our own to General Grant. My officers and troops all 
believed ovu" success was certain and immediate. They knew it 
would be a source of great danger to New Orleans to leave a garrison 
of 5,000 men at Port Hudson, as many at Mobile, and a large number 
in the Teche coimtry. They knew also that if we withdrew from 
the attack here, with the low water of this month and the summer, 
it would be impossible to return to New Orleans by the Atchafalaya 
and the Grand Lake, and unless it was certain that Vicksburg 
should faU, and General Grant return with us, that we could not 
again reach New Orleans. New Orleans has no garrison for its 
defence under such circimastances, and it could but stand in great 
peril. It seemed to me that it was absolutely necessary that I 
should complete my work here. It is now, we believe, certain to 
be done. 

The reduction of Port Hudson has required a longer time than 
at first supposed. First, because it is a stronger position. Secondly, 
because a large part of my force consists of nine-months men, 
who openly say they do not consider themselves bound to any 
perilous service. It is this wholly unexpected defection that has 
prevented our success, but it cannot defeat us. I do not hesitate 
to say, that the opinion was universal among our troops and those 
of the enemy that the work must fall. In proof of this I have only 
to say, that in the assault of Sunday two companies of the 4th 
Wisconsin Regiment went over the works, and were captured, 
because the coliunn did not follow, for the reason I have stated. 
The troops near the end of their enlistments say they do not feel 
like desperate service; the men enlisted for the war do not like to 
lead where the rest will not follow. I can also say, with certainty, 
that the removal of my command, or a considerable portion of it, 
to Vicksburg would enable the rebel troops to join their forces on 
either side of the river, and place New Orleans in immediate peril. 
The fleet can destroy, but it cannot defend the city. The dispatches 
enclosed will inform you of the movements of the enemy on the 
river below, even when Port Hudson is invested, and the enemy 
divided by the river. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 185 

I came here by express appointment of General Grant. It did 
not seem possible, and it does not now seem possible, to withdraw 
from this post, since the first assault, without doing great injury 
to the government, far more than counterbalances the good rendered 
General Grant. My force is not more than 14,000 effective men, 
if so much, including the nine-months men. I could not, in the 
present condition of tilings, carry to him more than 8,000 men 
without infinite danger to the department. The loss of New 
Orleans would be an irreparable calamity to the government, and 
ought to be avoided. I hope to effect an immediate reduction of 
Port Hudson, and transport all my force to Vicksburg. I have the 
honor to be, with much respect, 

Your obedient servant, 

N. P. BANKS, 
Major-General Commanding. 
Major-General Haxleck, 

Commanding Army of the United States. 



186 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 



CHAPTER XV 

VOLUNTEERS CALLED FOR TO FORM A STORMING PARTY — 
THE REGIMENT VOLUNTEER TO REMAIN BEYOND THEIR 
TERM OF ENLISTMENT — SURRENDER OF PORT HUD- 
SON 



N 



OTWITHSTANDING the failure of the 14th, Gen- 
eral Banks was still confident of success, as appears 
in General Order 49: 



Headquarters Department of the Gulf, 
Nineteenth Army Corps, 
Before Port Hudson, June 15, 1863. 
The commanding general congratulates the troops before Port 
Hudson upon the steady advance made upon the enemy's works, 
and is confident of an immediate and triumphant issue of the 
contest. We are at all points upon the threshold of his fortifications. 
One more advance, and they are ours. For the last duty that 
victory imposes, the commanding general summons the bold men 
of the corps to the organization of a storming column of 1,000 men, 
to vindicate the flag of the Union, and the memory of its defenders 
who have fallen. Let them come forward. Officers who lead the 
column of victory in this last assault may be assured of the just 
recognition of their services by promotion, and every officer and 
soldier who shares its perils and its glory shall receive a medal fit 
to commemorate the first grand success of 1863 for the freedom 
of the Mississippi. His name will be placed in general orders upon 
the roll of honor. Division commanders will at once report the 
names of the officers and men who may volunteer for this service, 
in order that the organization of the column may be completed 
without delay. 

By Command of Major-General BANKS. 
Richard B. Irwin, 

Assistant Adjutant General. 

After the unsuccessful attempt to carry the works by 
direct assault had demonstrated the fact that it could 




WILLIAM B. UPTON ..ItJ^'^f. B^'s^t^M^ass. 

2d L:eut. Co. A, 50th Mass. ^^^^^^^^^^ COCHRANE 

2d Lieut. Co. C, 50th Mass. ..,,„„ ^ npAPPR 

ORAMEL G ABBOTT 2di1 uf C?.' E°%OtKass. 

2d Lieut. Co. D, oOth Mass. -" ^"=" 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 187 

not be accomplished without great loss of life, the rifle 
was laid aside during the next three weeks for the pick 
and the shovel, and the engineers went to the front. 
Trenches, parallels and tunnels were pushed nearer and 
nearer to the Confederate line, their walls were being 
undermined and the ground was honeycombed with sub- 
terranean passages. The moment was almost ripe for 
the final assault at the time of the surrender, and there 
can be little doubt that it would have proved a complete 
success. In the mean time our life was monotonous; still 
supporting batteries, sleeping in rifle pits, exposed to 
extreme heat during the day, but buojed up by the fact 
that the end of our enlistment was near at hand, and by 
the anticipation of an early return to our homes and 
friends; but this we had no right to expect till the fall of 
Port Hudson. Some of the nine-months troops were 
almost insubordinate, as nine months had expired since 
they were mustered in. The 50th was the only nine- 
months regiment in Dudley's brigade, and the staff and 
line officers were summoned to his headquarters and the 
exigency of the case laid before them. The regiment 
volunteered, to its credit, to remain. 

Headquarters Department of the Gulf, 
Nineteenth Army Corps, 
Before Port Hudson, July 2, 1863. 
Special Orders, 
No. 158. 
The commanding general cannot too warmly thank the officers 
and men of the 50th Massachusetts Volunteers for their prompt 
and patriotic offer of the service of that regiment until the 14th 
instant, or two weeks beyond the period when they deemed that 
the term of their enlistment expired. This prompt decision reflects 
honor upon the gallant officers and men of this regiment, and will 
be in the future their proudest title to the gratitude of their country- 
men, and the esteem of their comrades, with whom they will share 
the coming triumpla and divide the glory. 

By Command of Major-General BANKS. 
Richard B. Irwin, 

Assistant Adjutant General. 



188 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

Anticipating a third assault, as has already appeared 
volunteers were called upon from the various regiments 
to form a storming party, who formed a camp by them- 
selves. Among the volunteers were Private James Miller 
of Company B and Corpl. Edward S. Tubbs of Company 
G. Corporal Tubbs of Haverhill, after the fall of Port 
Hudson, was transferred on July 17, 1863, to the 6th 
Illinois Cavalry. Private Miller retired a brigadier gen- 
eral in the United States Army. General Miller narrated 
the following incident: When he and Corporal Tubbs re- 
ported at the headquarters of the "Forlorn Hope," an 
official called the volunteers forward in the order of the 
regiments. "Who commands the detachment from the 
50th Massachusetts?" "I do," says Corporal Tubbs. 
"Where is your detachment?" says the official. "There 
he is," says Corporal Tubbs, pointing to Comrade Miller. 
General Miller said it was understood that the next 
assault would be on the 4th of July, and that the "For- 
lorn Hope" was then in readiness, but he thought it 
probable General Banks was of the opinion that Port 
Hudson would soon surrender and so postponed the 
assault. It is the recollection of the writer that several 
other members of the regiment besides Corporal Tubbs 
and James Miller volunteered to join the assaulting 
column, among them Charles H. Warren of Company C. 

Headquarters Department of the Gulf, 
Nineteenth Army Corps, 
Before Port Hudson, June 20, 1863. 
General: The volunteers of the storming party will assemble 
at nine a.m. to-morrow, at the headquarters of the right and left 
wings respectively, whence they will be conducted by orderlies 
to the camp of the stormers. They should have two days' rations, 
shelter tents, cooking utensils, etc. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

RICHARD B. IRWIN, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 
Maj.-Gen. C. C. Augur, 

Commanding, etc. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 189 

Headquarters Department of the Gulp, 
Nineteenth Army Corps, 
Before Port Hudson, June 21, 1863. 
General: The commanding general directs that you send the 
stormers to report at Colonel Birge's headquarters. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

RICHARD B. IRWIN, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 
Maj.-Gen. C. C. Augur, 

Commanding, etc. 

Headquarters Department of the Gulf, 
Nineteenth Army Corps, 
Before Port Hudson, June 25, 1863. 
General: Direct Colonel Birge to organize a storming party im- 
mediately into two battalions, and drill it for its work. Too great 
a proportion of officers ought not to be taken, but four may be 
allowed to each company. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

RICHARD B. IRWIN, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 
Brig.-Gen. C. Grover, 

Commanding Right Wing. 

Headquarters Storming Column, June 28, 1863. 
Sir: I have the honor to report that the volimteers for the 
storming column are organized in two battalions of eight companies 
each, strength of companies about fifty enlisted men; three and in 
some cases four commissioned officers to a company. Battalion 
officers are to each, one lieutenant colonel commanding, two majors 
or acting as such, one adjutant, one quartermaster. One surgeon 
(from 160th New York) has reported. Present strength for duty 
is: commissioned officers, 67; enlisted men, 826. Total, 893. 
I am, Captain, very respectfully. 

Your obedient servant, 

HENRY W. BIRGE, 
Lieutenantr-Colonel Commanding. 
Duncan S. Walker, 

Assistant Adjutant General. 

Diary of Sergeant Nelson: 

" 16th. Excused from duty as long as I like, and took 
up quarters at the cotton-gin among a heterogeneous 
mixture of human beings. Here are officers with stars, 



190 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

and men of low degree and darkies in profusion. As I 
remarked awhile ago, the boisterous, coarse fun is enough 
to cure one of all common ills, so I began to get well 
almost immediately. Horse trading is as much the 
religion here as Paul Stickney said speculation was out 
West in earlier times. Several of the drummer boys, Lu 
Perkins, Graham and others, indulge in the fascination of 
horse trading. No boot money is asked, but perhaps a 
piece of the bridle or some part of the saddle is demanded 
to make the exchange seem more natural, then they 
mount and ride away. If a darky happens along a little 
better mounted than they, woe betide him unless he gives 
some very satisfactory proof that he is some field officers' 
colored boy; if his story is shadowy, then he must shift, 
nolens volens. The devilment cut up on the officers' 
darkies is endless, but I think the darky enjoys it as 
well as anybody. 

"But a little way from here our surgeon has appro- 
priated the front room of a one-horse planter's house for 
his office. The doctor's love for the equine race has here 
ample scope. The yard is full of mustangs, horses and 
mules. If any good horse is heard of running loose with- 
out an owner, a party is straightway made up to appro- 
priate him. As the horse fodder grows scarce in Port 
Hudson, the quadrupeds are led out during the night 
into the open ground. ' The steed comes at morning — 
no rider is there.' Kind hands beckon him away from 
gunshot, and if he has a good ear and looks like the old one, 
then somebody changes saddles and he is put to service. 

"The plantation where the surgeon has located retains 
its pristine purity, the old colored folks are at home as 
they were before the war, and so far as I saw they might 
have been here when De Soto paddled his canoe on these 
waters; no one doubts that the age of one old couple was 
quite near five hundred. They all live in log houses with 
wooden windows, and the whole arrangement is of the 
most primitive style. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 191 

" 17th. Preparations are going forward for another 
assault. There are stirring calls for volunteers to make 
up a storming party. Under a flag of truce, detachments 
of the two armies met to-day on middle ground to bury 
the dead of last Sunday. The rebels would not allow us 
to go nearer than a certain line, so they brought out our 
dead for burial. If this duty could have been done two 
days ago many would have been found alive, but of one 
hundred and fifty bodies one only showed signs of life; 
very many had lived a long time, as was evident by the 
appearance of their surroundings. In some cases they 
had tied their handkerchiefs above the wounds and made 
twists with their bayonets, forming what is termed in 
medical parlance a tourniquet, thus stopping the flow of 
blood. But the extreme heat was too much for nature. 
Decay had commenced, and the most sickening sight to 
be conceived of was here beheld. A deep trench was dug, 
and they were all buried in a nameless grave. For the 
hour all hostilities ceased, and Confederates and Federals 
hobnobbed together like old friends. Mementoes were 
exchanged, and the bloody undergarment was entirely 
hid by good-fellowship, then they shook hands and went 
back to their guns. 

"20th. Back to camp; on our way we met General 
Banks, who greeted us with a 'Good morning, boys,' and 
a happy smile. We smiled and parted. 

"It often happens to us nine-months men that a three- 
years one will ask us, as one did to-day, 'Are you a sol- 
dier, or a nine-months man?' While resting in the 
shade he also sarcastically inquired why we did not take 
our bounty and buy a mule. We generously offered to 
buy him some soap if he would solemnly promise to use 
it on his person. This caused bad feeling, and we parted. 

"We have been so long away from quartermaster's 
stores that a more ragged set of men never were seen. 
That company that Falstaff would n't march through 
Coventry were well dressed men compared with these. 



192 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

So long as there is anything to tie to, we manage to be 
presentable. A youthful friend of mine, whose father 
used to have in charge the finances of Massachusetts, 
does his duty with bare feet, and I doubt not that in 
years to come it will be said of him, as of our sires of 
seventy-six, 'his footsteps were marked with his blood.' 
The ingenuity displayed to cover the nakedness is worthy 
of great praise; such economy must eventuate in riches. 

"The siege progresses slowly but steadily; gradually the 
approaches to the rebel earthworks are growing nearer; 
before many weeks we shall have fortifications equal to 
theirs and men enough to drive them out. The engineers 
are each day running out new lines. 

"To-day Captain Roby of the U.S. Engineers with an 
assistant was laying out some new works within a few 
rods of our camp. They passed in by us, leaving their 
horses outside. In less than ten minutes he was brought 
out shot through the body, and died just as they reached 
our stopping place. Our place of residence is now in a 
mine, and we feel as secure from rebel shot as we should 
at home. 

"June 25. We are, four of us, living in a coop built 
on three sides with open daylight, the remainder is of solid 
earth-covering, brush and moonshine. The vicissitudes 
of change and natural wear and tear have reduced our 
cooking and kitchen utensils to three plates, two tin 
dippers, a knife, a fork and a spoon. The main portion 
of our living is hard-tack with sugar. At intervals the 
cook draws a ration of rice, which is considered one of the 
luxuries, and likely to produce effeminacy; so after the 
rice come two days' rations of hog, and ye gods, what 
hogs they must have been when wallowing in their native 
mire! This diet is not calculated to increase the animal 
propensities, but otherwise; consequently a general played- 
out feeling is manifest and the company is reduced to a 
handful of men, and this handful is not over-ambitious. 

"To-day the Johnnies woke up and threw a few hot 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 193 

shot over and set some of the cotton breastworks on fire. 
Our side threw back some of the same sort, and blew up a 
caisson, and other things then and there did. This has 
changed the noiseless tenor of our way and gives us some- 
thing to talk of besides the everlasting growl, and the 
statement of Vicksburg being taken, and that General 
Grant is coming down to aid us in taking Port Hudson. 
This little episode helps to pass the long days away. We 
welcome anything that breaks the monotony. It was in 
the long days of June, I think, when Wallace the younger 
sawed and split one cord of wood in six hours; by the 
same line of argument he could perform the same amount 
of labor in just half the time out here. Some of the days 
are over a week long, speaking after the manner of men. 
The expedients resorted to to pass away time are various 
and original. 

"To the 28th. As the time approaches for mustering 
for our three months' pay, I am requested to go to the rear 
and make out the pay rolls. With the greatest pleasure 
I fall back, happy to have something to do to take up the 
time, writing at the surgeon's quarters with board and 
lodgings at the gin house. 

"The old seedy son of the South who owns this planta- 
tion is a facsimile of every other body who owns other 
property : clothes of black but extremely threadbare and 
glossy with age, hat to match but much out of season. 
Somebody gave ' three and a half for the old one ' and the 
cotton planter got the old one. His horse, buggy and 
harness had outlived their youth and beauty long before 
he even thought his peculiar institution would be over- 
run with northern vandals. All his able-bodied hands 
had gone and left him. Uncle Tom, Chloe and Topsy 
remained and so did some of the elder of the children. 
They manage to scrape together a living and so they stay. 

" Monday, 28th. A strict Sabbatarian would find little 
this morning, and in the scene before us see little upon 
which to feast his soul. Sit down there upon that pile of 



194 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

cotton, my theological friend, and look this thing over 
just as we find it. As far as one can see to the north and 
east nothing is visible but a vast field of growing corn. 
A general highway from somewhere to somewhere runs 
through it, directly by this cotton-gin. Long trains of 
wagons are constantly passing and repassing, and their 
white coverings are seen far in the distance. Droves of 
cavalry horses come down the road, pass to the ravine 
to water and return. Strings of artillery teams with 
slow and measured tread move along past, sometimes 
stopping to feed from the green corn. All over the fields, 
wagons are being loaded with this fodder to feed out to 
the cattle. The hay crop is all exhausted, and so they 
fall back on this plant. 

"A brigade commander followed by his staff will dash 
by seemingly intent on striking a fatal blow on some 
portion of this rebellion, but probably more interested to 
find entertainment for man and beast. This staff is 
made up of all sorts: here is a bold soldier, just the man to 
lead up to the cannon's mouth, and then seek a bauble 
reputation; while alongside rides a sweet-scented pinky 
posy, this morning taken out of the top drawer where he 
laid last night, so white and smooth he looks. His father 
has influence at court, and it runs in the family to eat 
from the public crib. When this cruel war is over this 
noble youth will be brevetted for meritorious service in 
the field and will be rewarded with a sinecure in some 
custom house, where he will be required to call around 
quarterly to draw his salary. 

"In and around this castle of ours are negroes cooking 
meals for their officers, men cooking for themselves, 
horses hitched, some 'saddled and bridled all fit for a 
fight.' One I noticed, a mule, owned by Colonel Messer's 
colored boy, was hitched by his tail to a horse cultivator, 
without the consent of the mule or the knowledge of the 
owner. Both made objections and it resulted in a gen- 
eral smash up. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 195 

"The regiment has moved to different quarters, and 
sleeps under the broad heavens. Changes are so frequent 
that no attempts are made to build shelters. This 
morning General Banks, through General Dudley, re- 
quested the presence of the field and staff of the 50th 
at Dudley's headquarters. We privates were consider- 
ably interested to know the result. After some time 
Captain Barnes returned and all were on tiptoe. 
General Banks says that his army is largely made up of 
nine-months men, and to let them go home on time 
would leave him without an army, and all that has been 
done would be lost, therefore we must stay until some 
move is made by the army, or government sends others 
to take our places. General Dudley says: 'For God's 
sake, boys, don't rebel and make fools of yourselves, as 
a certain regiment has, and disgrace the old Bay State. 
Brace up; Port Hudson can't hold out long. Volunteer 
for a short time, and I am a happy man.' Dudley's 
style and manner carried the day. The regiment vol- 
unteered to stay until Port Hudson surrendered, and as 
ours is the only nine-months regiment in Dudley's 
brigade, the general waxed his moustache and was happy. 
So when Port Hudson surrenders we are going home, 
rah- rah- rah, wide awake! 

"Two companies 1 saw to-day marched to the rear 
without their arms, disgraced. They thought their time 
was out, in fact rebelled; that was how it happened. 
The question is often asked. Where are all the books 
furnished to the commission gone to? good books for the 
hungry mind. Not even one can be had for love or 
money. 

"Occasionally somebody, in rummaging over an old 
deserted house, will find an old almanac, some school- 
books or a few leaves of an aged magazine. I have now 
a school reader; in it are extracts from Washington's 
farewell address, P. Henry's speech and the like. The 
most stirring paragraphs are marked with pencil, showing 



196 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

that the fires burned in the hearts of those yonkers just 
as they did in days long gone, when we used to spout 
about the horrors of slavery. On the fly leaf John 
Henry is intending marriage with Nancy Ann, and we 
must allow, with all the barbarism of slavery and its sum 
of villainies, the boys and girls had an eye to the future, 
just as essentially as they do among the higher intel- 
ligences that claim nativity in Essex County. A few 
leaves of a very old 'Lady's Book' strayed into camp; 
the chapters thirty-six to the fortieth were there. The 
famished soul read, yea devoured all about the cruel 
parent and devotion of Jennie, but whether the old man 
relented, and 'bless you, my children,' were his closing 
remarks, or he died game, can never be known to us. 

"A fragment of the Salem Mercury was read and re- 
read. The notices therein contained names of persons, 
places and streets, and it seemed like walking and talk- 
ing among familiars. Here was a notice that Uncle 
Moses Nelson's will would be presented for proof, and 
Moses Dorman, Esq., was named as executor. This in- 
cident brought out many of Uncle Moses's peculiarities, 
which were not a few, and his invocation at the neigh- 
borhood prayer meetings. His original way of putting 
things, and above all his old-fashioned honesty, were 
told by us who knew him in our boyhood days. 

"July 2. The march of improvement and progress has 
made another opening to be looked after. Earthworks 
have been thrown up almost under the frowning fortifi- 
cations of Port Hudson, and the guns of Mack's Black 
Horse Battery have been placed in position. This is 
considered so perilous a position for guns that a large 
force of infantry are in the pits surrounding this battery 
night and day. A deep wide trench has been dug from 
a belt of woods up to the guns. All communications 
with the battery and outside must be carried on through 
this passage. The regiments supporting go in after dark 
and remain until nightfall the following day. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 197 

"Here we sit in the dirt with a blazing July sun pour- 
ing its serenest rays upon our heads. By stretching our 
blankets across and holding them in place with our 
bayonets a little shelter is obtained; the sun strikes us 
enough to give every man a sunstroke. If one straight- 
ens up his head above the line of dirt in front, this is 
recognized by a rebel, who shoots his rifle at it. The only 
variation from dirt and sweat and impatience has been 
for somebody to hold his cap upon a stick to draw the 
fire from some of the southern chivalry. 

"During the day the cook comes to the edge of the 
woods, and in squads we go on all fours to the right 
flank and satisfy the cravings of hunger. It appears 
that this is the most important and the most exposed 
position, consequently around it centers more interest 
than about any other spot in this siege. Staff officers 
and orderlies are passing in every few minutes with 
orders; they leave their horses in the woods, and then 
on all fours get to the battery. This journey leads them 
over us, through us and under us, and they always 
manage to knock our guns; then our blanket sunshades 
fall, and by the time the whole thing is again in place 
some one of them comes back, and then it is repeated. 
As we have to work under difficulties, having a whole- 
some dread of the rebel sharpshooters, the dirt and sweat 
mingle and plow deep furrows down our bronzed cheek; 
so after dark, when we are allowed two hours to stretch 
our limbs, Bradstreet and myself take to the bayou, 
and then take Turkish baths, and then back again. Be- 
fore daybreak we are released and others take our 
places. To compensate for this we have the whole day 
and night to rest and sleep. 

"July 3. Although we knew of no one going to Baton 
Rouge, yet to-day some one came up, and a few letters 
from home got to us. It has been weeks since a single 
word has reached us from the North. We hear that 
R. D. Merrill and George M. Boynton have passed away. 



198 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

I am strongly of the opinion that, if it is possible, the 
better wsiy is for all to leave Baton Rouge and camp up 
here in the woods. The rations issued to a convalescent 
camp are next to nothing; their duties are about the 
same. Such inactivity of body and mind would kill a 
well man. 

''July 4. This day was celebrated much after the wish 
of the senior Adams. A national salute was fired morn- 
ing, noon and night. Some of the picket guard was 
within talking distance of the rebel earthworks. These 
same rebels thought that Johnston was coming to their 
relief and had commenced an attack upon our forces. 
With a good deal of emphasis they were told just what 
the matter was. A little duty is required of the army 
to-day, as it is requisite for safety. I am sorry to put 
down that some indulged in the flowing bowl, but did 
not get in the lock-up. Our dissipation was confined to 
a sheet of gingerbread and a bottle of cider. The manu- 
facture of this apple juice is worthy of the consideration 
of northern philanthropists. Dried apples are soaked in 
water for twenty-four hours, and the liquid is bottled 
and sold to ive uns. How much of it will fuddle a man 
I have never been able to learn; some say three barrels. 
I have seen folks drink until it run out of their mouths, 
slopped over so to speak, and yet would take another 
glass, I thank you. I feel obliged to make this explana- 
tion, for the day we left Georgetown for Camp Stanton 
all signed the pledge to abstain from the use of intoxi- 
cants, except as a beverage or when ordered by the sur- 
geon. With pride I point to our record. 

"A few prisoners celebrated their independence by 
escaping from durance vile. They dug down through the 
solid earth underneath their prison house, thence on an 
angle turned toward the river, and came into daylight. 
The bluff at this port is extremely high, and they were all 
right, watching their chance to slip the guard. A few 
minutes brought them into our lines. The destitution 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 199 

among the soldiers and inhabitants of Port Hudson is 
extreme. They cannot hold out much longer. The 
courage of the rank and file is kept up by printed docu- 
ments that are struck off every few days — for they have 
the luxury of a printing press — stating that Grant is on 
the point of abandoning Vicksburg, then General Pem- 
berton will come down and drive us away and release 
them. Another day something equally encouraging will 
be announced by bulletins, and thus whistling they keep 
courage up. These accounts raise our spirits, as we know 
Grant does n't leave Vicksburg without taking the best 
part of it with him, and starvation will drive our oppo- 
nents into a surrender before many days. 

"5th and 6th. Another day in the rifle pits, and day 
of refreshment and rest. Jonah was three days and three 
nights in the whale's belly — although he called whale 
by another name ■ — but anyway it was a whale of a story. 
Now these Jonahs think this pit and this sun are about as 
bad to endure as anything that that 'ancient mariner' 
went through with, and both parties leave their confined 
quarters with equal zeal and haste. This last day has 
been extremely fine, the cheerful breeze stirred the leaves 
— that 's poetry — and under the huge old trees we slept 
away almost the whole twenty-four hours. 

"7th. This morning certain news of the fall of Vicks- 
burg, and no discount. Each regiment was drawn up in 
line, and the pleasant announcement was made and par- 
ticulars read — please see small bills: Twenty-seven 
thousand prisoners. One hundred and twenty-eight 
pieces of light artillery and eighty siege guns. The wild 
enthusiasm cannot be described. Everybody was bub- 
bling over with happiness. Grant sends greetings to 
Banks. Communication is opened on the river, and the 
end is not far. We close up this little affair without any 
further trouble. General Banks took measures to inform 
General Gardner, commandant of Port Hudson, of the 
exact condition of things at Vicksburg, and the folly of 



200 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

his longer holding out. All the afternoon couriers have 
been riding back and forth, all kinds of stories and rumors 
are flying through the camp; everybody is gushing, and 
night finds us a happy family, for we are quite sure within 
ten days we shall control Port Hudson; and the Mississippi 
River is ours from the Gulf to the Northern Lights. 
'Lurid fires at dead of night' burned in Port Hudson; 
we were near enough to hear the outbreaks, and the calls 
to quell them. 

"July 8. 'Coming events cast their shadows before.' 
Open rebellion ran riot in Port Hudson last night. All 
discipline was apparently lost, and an army of demoral- 
ized, disheartened and conquered soldiery held the reins 
through the night. At intervals we could distinctly hear 
the bugle call, the parley, which showed that mutiny was 
rife. This morning a cessation of hostilities was asked, 
and diplomatic finesse, hedging and bluffing to see who 
could get the best of it, continued until the latter part of 
the day, when it was told us that Port Hudson had uncon- 
ditionally surrendered. Imagine all the pent-up enthusi- 
asm of thousands of men, who had been watching and 
waiting for weeks and months for this moment; imagine 
anything and everything, but the reality can never be 
described. It is one of these occasions that must be seen; 
the lame leap; the halt step off at a two-forty gait; the 
weak grow strong; the gloomy and despondent turn up 
the corners of their mouths, preliminary to a feeble smile. 
Before dark blue and gray meet on middle ground and 
commence trading jack-knives, and tell how well they 
love everybody. Such a love feast was never seen 
before. 

"With so much to reflect upon — present and future — 
our hard-tack and coffee are sweeter than the nectar of 
the gods and no bed of roses equaled mother earth. 
Such a happy combination of circumstances was too much 
for regular sleep, and the night passed and morning 
broke." 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 201 

Headquarters Department of the Gulf, 
Nineteenth Army Corps, 
Before Port Hudson, July 7, 1863. 11 a.m. 
My dear General: Your most gratifying dispatch (4th instant) 
has just been received, announcing the surrender of Vicksburg. 
I beg you to accept my hearty congratulations. It is the most 
inportant event of the war, and will contribute most to the estab- 
lishment of the government. 

The freedom of the Mississippi puts an end to the Rebellion, 
so far as an independent Confederacy is concerned. There is no 
room for an independent government between the Mississippi and 
the Atlantic. Port Hudson will be in our possession before the close 
of this week. The Army of the Gulf sends its congratulations to 
the gallant and successful troops of your command. Salutes will 
be fired at noon from the batteries on the right, left and center of 
our lines, in honor of the fall of Vicksburg. 

I have the honor to remain. General, with highest respect, 

Your obedient servant, 

N. P. BANKS, 
Major-General Commanding. 
Maj.-Gen. U. S. Grant, 

Commanding at Vicksburg. 

Correspondence between General Banks, U.S.A., and 
General Gardner, C.S.A.: 

Headquarters Port Hudson, La., July 7. 
General: Having received information from your troops that 
Vicksburg has been surrendered, I make this communication to 
ask you to give me the official assurance whether this is true or 
not, and if true, I ask for a cessation of hostilities with a view to 
the consideration of terms for surrendering this position. 
I am, General, very respectfully, 

Your obedient servant, 

FRANK GARDNER, 
Major-General Commanding C.S. Forces. 
To Major-General Banks, 

Commanding U.S. Forces near Port Hudson. 

Headquarters Department of the Gulf, 

Before Port Hudson, July 8. 
General: In reply to your communication of the 7th instant, by 
flag of truce, I have the honor to inform you that I received yester- 
day morning an official dispatch from Maj.-Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, 
United States Army, whereof the following is a true extract: 



202 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

"Headquarters Department op the Tennessee, 

Near Vicksburg, July 4. 
General: The garrison of Vicksburg surrendered this 
morning, the number of prisoners is 27,000; field artillery, 
128 pieces; and about eighty siege gims. 

Your obedient servant, 

U. S. GRANT, 
To Maj.-Gen. N. P. Banks, Major General. 

Commanding Department of the Gulf." 

I regret to say that, under present circumstances, I cannot con- 
sistently with my duty consent to a cessation of hostilities for the 
purposes you indicate. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

N. P. BANKS, 
Major-General Commanding. 
To Maj.-Gen. Frank Gardner, 

Commanding C.S. Forces, Port Hudson. 



Port Hudson, July 8. 
General: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your 
communication. Having defended this position as long as I deem 
my duty requires, I am willing to surrender to you, and will appoint 
a committee of three officers to meet a similar commission appointed 
by yourself at nine o'clock this morning, for the purpose of agreeing 
upon, and drawing up the terms of surrender, and for that purpose 
I ask for a cessation of hostilities. Will you please designate a 
point outside of my breastworks where the meeting shall be held 
for this purpose? 

I am very respectfully. 

Your obedient servant, 

FRANK GARDNER, 
To Major-General Banks, Commanding C.S. Forces. 

Commanding U.S. Forces. 



Headquarters Department of the Gulf, 
Nineteenth Army Corps, 
Before Port Hudson, July 7, 1863. 
General: The commanding general directs that the following be 
communicated for your information and guidance: 

General Gardner has just requested the commanding general 
to give him "official assurance " whether Vicksburg has surrendered 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 203 

or not; and if true, he asks a cessation of hostilities to enable him 
to consider terms for surrendering Port Hudson. 

The commanding general has replied that a cessation of hos- 
tilities is impossible, but, nevertheless, he desires that all active 
demonstrations on your part shall cease until further orders from 
these headquarters. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

CHARLES A. HARTWELL, 
Brig.-Gen. C. Grover, Lieutenant and Aide-de-Camp. 

Commanding, etc. 

Headquarters Department of the Gulf, 
Nineteenth Army Corps, 
Before Port Hudson, July 8, 1863. 
Sir: I have the honor to inform you that General Gardner has 
offered to surrender, and at his request a commission, to consist 
of three officers designated by me, will meet a similar committee 
on his part, at our lines at nine a.m. to-day, to draw up the terms 
of surrender. 

I have directed that active hostilities shall entirely cease until 
further orders for this purpose. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

N. P. BANKS, 
Major-General Commanding. 
Rear-Admiral D. G. Farragut, U.S. Navy, 
Commanding Lower Fleet. 

Headquarters Department of the Gulf, 19th A.C, 

Before Port Hudson, July 8, 1863. 2 p.m. 
Sir: The articles of surrender are signed at two p.m. 

1 . The enemy surrenders everything. 

2. We respect private property. 

3. Officers and soldiers not paroled. 

4. We take care of the sick. 
March in at five p.m. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

RICHARD B. IRWIN, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 

Headquarters Department of the Gulf, 
Nineteenth Army Corps, 
Before Port Hudson, July 8, 1863. 
General: Please designate two regiments of your division to go 
in with the occupying force at five o'clock, and order them to 



204 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

report immediately at the opening in front of General Augur's. 
Keep the rest of your command in hand, encamp it comfortably, 
and take stringent measures to repress straggling. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

RICHARD B. IRWIN, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 
Brig.-Gen. W. Dwight, 

Commanding, etc. 

Headquarters Department of the Gulf, 
Nineteenth Army Corps, 
Before Port Hudson, July 8, 1863. 
My dear Sir: Port Hudson surrendered to-day, substantially 
without conditions. We shall be compelled, however, to parole 
a greater part of the men. They called for 6,000 rations. The 
ceremony of rendition takes place at seven to-morrow. 
I am very truly yours, 

N. P. BANKS, 
Major-General Commanding. 

Rear-Admiral D. G. Farragut, 

Commanding Fleet, etc. 

Headquarters Department of the Gulf, 

Before Port Hudson, July 8, 1863. 
Sir: The commissioners have agreed to occupy the place at seven 
o'clock to-morrow morning instead of five this evening. 
Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, 

RICHARD B. IRWIN, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 
Gen. B. H. Grierson, 

Commanding Cavalry. 

Before Port Hudson, July 8, 1863. 

My dear Sir: The officers to meet those appointed by General 
Gardner upon the subject of the terms of surrender were necessarily 
named as soon as his commimication was received, otherwise I should 
have very gladly acted upon your suggestion. Unless a different 
course is suggested by the officers representing the garrison, I 
shall designate you as the officer to receive the surrender of General 
Gardner. I will notify you of the result as soon as it is ascertained. 

I shall expect your brigade to move at once to Lafourche. I 
will review the troops in Port Hudson to-day, and then prepare 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 205 

for the close of the campaign, which has lasted without intermission 
for four months from this day. It began the 8th of March. 
Very truly yours, 

N. P. BANKS, 
Major-General Commanding. 

P.S. I shall name of the most deserving regiments eight or ten 
to occupy and garrison the fort as soon as surrendered. Will you 
name some most entitled to honor in your division? 

General Weitzel. 

Before Port Hudson, July 8, 1863. 2.30 p.m. 
Dear General: I am sorry you do not accept the surrender. You 
seem to be more closely identified with the whole campaign than 
any other officer. The articles are signed: 

1 . The enemy surrendering everything. 

2. We respect private property. 

3. Officers and soldiers not paroled. 

The regiments asked for are only as witnesses to the act of rendi- 
tion. The transports will be ready to take your troops to-night 
to Donaldsonville. You will lead the advance. Nine-months 
regiments only will remain. I shall be glad to see you this evening. 
It is reported from the upper fleet that Hooker is superseded by 
General Meade. No enemy between this and Baton Rouge. 

Very truly yours, 

N. P. BANKS, 
Major-General Commanding. 
General Weitzel. 

Headquarters Department of the Gulp, 19th A.C, 

Before Port Hudson, July 8, 1863. 
Special Orders, 
No. 164. 

I. The following-named regiments, having but a brief time to 
serve, are detached from the divisions to which they belong; will 
concentrate in front of General Augur's position on the main road, 
march into Port Hudson at nine o'clock to-morrow morning, and 
report to the commanding officer of the post. They will, for the 
present, constitute part of the garrison for that post. 

From the 1st Division, 50th Massachusetts; from the 2d Division, 
26th Connecticut, 24th Maine; from the 3d Division, 4th Massa^- 
chusetts; from the 4th Division, 22d Maine, 52d Massachusetts, 
26th Maine. 



206 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

II. Major-General Augur will embark liis division, excepting 
the two regiments detailed to accompany the occupying force, on 
the transports at Point Pleasant Landing at five o'clock to-morrow 
morning with two days' rations in haversacks, and thi-ee days' 
additional, and a full supply of ammunition. The two regiments 
detailed to accompany the occupying force will go fully prepared 
to embark on transports as soon as the ceremony of rendition is 
over. Brigadier-General Grover will send a brigade to Plains' store 
to-night to relieve Colonel Dudley's brigade. Colonel Dudley will 
take up the line of march at four a.m. 

By Command of Major-General BANKS. 

RiciL^RD B. Irwin, 

Assistant Adjutant General. 



Headquarters Department of the Gulf, 
Nineteenth Army Corps, 

Port Hudson, July 10, 1863. 

General: The commanding general directs that all the enlisted 
men and citizens, employees of the enemy's forces captured at 
this post, be released upon giving their parole in triplicate upon 
the enclosed forms. 

One copy of the individual parole, signed by the man himself, 
his regimental commander, and the paroling officer of our army, 
will be delivered to the regimental commanders at the time of 
parolment for distribution to the men. One copy of the consoli- 
dated parole rolls, signed by each man, by Major-General Gardner, 
and by the paroling officer, will be retained, and transmitted by 
you to these headquarters. One copy of the consolidated rolls, 
similarly signed, to be handed to General Gardner. The con- 
solidated list to be verified by roll call. The Louisiana troops will 
be paroled first in order, furnished with five days' rations, and 
permitted to march out of our lines under escort, and go to their 
homes. The other troops will be paroled as rapidly as possible, 
and disposed of as may be hereafter directed. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

RICHARD B. IRWIN, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 

Brig.-Gen. George L. Andrews, 

Commanding Post of Port Hudson. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 207 

Headquarters Department of the Gulf, 
Nineteenth Army Corps, 

Port Hudson, July 12, 1863. 
General: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your 
note of the 11th instant. The paroled troops will be conducted 
past the lines of this army, with such supplies as may be deemed 
necessary for their use. Their destination must be determined 
by themselves. It is not deemed expedient to enter upon any 
stipulation as to the course to be pursued by the government in 
case any of the paroled prisoners should hereafter choose to remain 
within the lines of the army of the United States. 

Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, 

N. P. BANKS, 

Major-General Commanding. 

Maj.-Gen. Frank Gardner, 

C.S. Army. 



C.S.A. Lieut. James Freret: 

"Some of the splendid Parrott guns of an Indiana 
regiment were taken across the river and put in bat- 
tery there. They dismounted three of our guns, spUt- 
ting a rifled 32-pounder on the 5th of July, knocking 
the trunnion of an 8-inch hovi^itzer on the morning of 
the 6th, and permanently disabhng a rifled 24-pounder 
on the evening of the same day. This artillery practice 
was probably equal if not superior to anything which 
has ever been accompUshed of the kind, the distance 
being from 1,000 to 1,400 yards (about three-quarters of 
a mile). Many of our broken guns were, for an emer- 
gency, braced up on blocks and loaded with bags of all 
sorts of scrap iron which were to be fired in the face of 
a storming party, it being of little consequence whether 
the disabled guns were good for another discharge or not. 

"July 7. During the forenoon the Federals called out 
to our men that Vicksburg had surrendered on the 4th. 
That night a council of war was held at General Gard- 
ner's headquarters, which was protracted until two a.m. 



208 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

On the 8th the situation of Port Hudson was well worthy- 
serious consideration. It was forty-eight days since the 
virtual beginning of the siege, and a fortified position 
constructed for a garrison of twenty thousand men had 
been held by one-third of that force for a much longer 
period than could have been expected by our forces 
outside. At the hour above named General Gardner 
sent to General Banks, by a flag of truce, for confirmation 
of the fall of Vicksburg, which was accorded him." 

Confederate account continued: 

"At nine a.m. on the 8th, General Gardner dispatched 
commissioners to treat for surrender of the post. They 
returned in the afternoon with the following terms of 
unconditional surrender, which were agreed to and 
signed. 

Article 1. Maj.-Gen. Frank Gardner to surrender to the 
United States forces under Major-General Banks the place of Port 
Hudson and its dependencies, with its garrison, armament, mu- 
nitions, public funds, and material of war, in the condition as nearly 
as may be in which they were at the hour of cessation of hostilities, 
viz., six A.M., July 8, 1863. 

Art. 2. The surrender stipulated in Art. 1 is qualified by 
no conditions save that the officers and enlisted men composing 
the garrison shall receive the treatment due to prisoners of war 
according to the usages of civilized warfare. 

Art. 3. All private property of officers and enlisted men shall 
be respected and left to their respective owners. 

Art. 4. The position of Port Hudson shall be occupied to- 
morrow at seven a.m. by the forces of the United States, and its 
garrison received as prisoners of war by such general officers of 
the United States service as may be designated by Major-General 
Banks, with the ordinary formalities of rendition. The Confederate 
troops will be drawn up in line, officers in their positions, the right 
of the line resting on the edge of the prairie south of the railroad 
depot, the left extending in the direction of the village of Port 
Hudson. The arms and colors will be conveniently piled, and 
will be received by the officers of the United States. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 209 

Art. 5. The sick and wounded of the garrison will be cared 
for by the authorities of the United States, assisted, if desired by 
either party, by the medical officers of the garrison. 

Approved: 

W. R. MILES, 

Commanding Right Wing, C.S.A. 

T. G. W. STEEDMAN, 

Commanding Left Wing, C.S.A. 

M. J. SMITH, 

Lieut. -Col. Heavy Artillery, C.S.A. 
CHARLES P. STONE, 

Brigadier-General, U.S.A. 
W. DWIGHT, 

Brigadier-General, U.S.A. 
HENRY W. BIRGE, 

Col. Commanding 3d Brigade, U.S. A . 
Grover's Division, U.S.A. 
Approved: FRANK GARDNER, 
Major-General. 

N. P. BANKS, 

Major-General. 

Headquarters, Port Hudson, La., July 8, 1863. 
General Orders, 
No. 61. 

I. Nobly have the troops performed their duty in the defence 
of this position, continued from the 21st day of May up to this 
time. The place is surrendered at the last moment it was proper 
to hold it, and after a most gallant defence in several severe attacks. 
Let all continue, during the duties that still remain to be performed, 
to show that cheerful obedience which has distinguished them as 
soldiers up to this time. 

II. The troops will be paraded at six a.m. to-morrow for sur- 
render in line of battle in the same order as they are now at the 
breastworks, with the heavy artillery on the right in the edge of 
the prairie, the left extending towards the town of Port Hudson. 
All officers and men will be in their places under arms. 

By Command of Maj.-Gen. FRANK GARDNER. 

C. N. Jackson, 

Acting Assistant Adjutant General. 



210 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

Public Resolution No. 7. 

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled, That the thanks 
of Congress are hereby tendered to Maj.-Gen. N. P. Banks, and 
the officers and soldiers under his command, for the skill, courage 
and endurance which compelled the surrender of Port Hudson, 
and thus removed the last obstruction to the free navigation of 
the Mississippi River. 

Approved Jan. 28, 1864. 

Banks to Halleck: 

Port Hudson, July 10, 1863. 

Sir: I have the honor to inform you that with the post there 
fell into our hands over 5,550 prisoners, including one major 
general, one brigadier general, twenty pieces of heavy artillery, 
five complete batteries numbering thirty-one pieces of field artillery, 
a good supply of projectiles for light and heavy guns, 44,000 pounds 
of cannon powder, 5,000 stand of small arms, 150,000 rounds of 
small arms ammunition, besides a small amount of stores of various 
kinds. We also captured two steamers, one of which is very valu- 
able. Upon the surrender I found it necessary to send all available 
forces to open and preserve communication with New Orleans. 
I was also compelled to garrison this post by the nine-months 
regiments whose time they think is out, and the colored regiments. 
After the post surrendered vmconditionally, I released the non- 
commissioned officers and privates on their parole. The officers 
will be kejjt in confinement until further orders. Trusting that 
my course will be approved, 

I have the honor to be your most obedient servant, 

N. P. BANKS, 
Major-General Commanding. 

July 9 was a memorable day in the history of the 
regiment. Port Hudson had surrendered on the 8th, and 
on the morning of this day the regiment formed in column 
to march in and participate in the formalities of sur- 
render. While we were halted by the roadside, General 
Gardner, attended by his staff and a troop of horse, rode past. 

After some delay General Dudley reined up before the 
regiment, and, after it had been formed in close ranks, 
made to us the following farewell address: "Men of the 
50th, the object of your expedition has been accom- 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 211 

plished, your time of service has expired; soon you will 
return to the old Bay State. With the remaining regi- 
ments of my brigade I shall immediately go on board 
steamers, having been ordered below, and this is the last 
time I shall see you on this soil. With the deepest sin- 
cerity I thank you for your uniform good conduct while 
in my command, and I congratulate you on the record 
you have made. That you may safely return to your 
homes and enjoy the meeting of family and friends, and 
in the days to come pleasantly and fully remember this 
campaign, is the heartfelt wish of your old commander." 
"Replacing his cap and waving his hand, he rode the 
length of the line, and as cheer after cheer went up, 
again waving his hand, he was lost to sight." 

The march was resumed; in a few minutes the sally 
port was entered, the line of fortifications passed, and 
what remained of Port Hudson was soon exposed to 
view. The defences were examined with the greatest 
interest. "Upon the tops of the earthworks bags of 
sand were laid crosswise, leaving between each bag an 
aperture large enough to sight the gun, and on top of 
the bags a huge log rested lengthwise. Here, in compara- 
tive safety, the men could load and fire on the assaulting 
column. In every few rods a battery was placed to rake 
the approaches in all directions with grape and canister. 
At least fifty rods from the works the ground had been 
cleared of shelter." Here the river broke upon our view, 
and as we approached the church the entire rebel army 
was drawn up in line. 

A correspondent of the New York Times wrote a very 
good account of the formality of the surrender: 

"At the earliest dawn of the — now ever memorable 
— 9th of July the whole camp was necessarily in the 
highest state of glee and commotion, and the 'Star 
Spangled Banner,' 'Yankee Doodle' and 'Dixie' came 
borne upon the morning air — never sounding sweeter. 

"At seven o'clock General Andrews, chief of the staff 



212 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

of General Banks, made his grand entrance into the 
rebel fortifications, with Colonel Birge leading his brave 
storming column, whose noble services have thus been, 
happily for their friends, dispensed with, but to whom 
the country is no less indebted, taking the will for the 
deed. These were followed by two picked regiments from 
each division, with Holcomb's and Rawles's batteries 
of light artillery, and the gunners of the naval battery. 

"The rebels were drawn up in line, and an immense 
line they made, their officers in front of them on one side 
of the road, their backs to the river. General Gardner 
then advanced towards General Andrews, and in a few 
accompanying words offered to surrender his sword with 
Port Hudson; but General Andrews told him in appre- 
ciation of his bravery, however misdirected, he was at 
liberty to retain his sword. Our men were then drawn 
up in two lines on the other side of the road, opposite 
to the rebels, and our officers placed themselves in front 
of their men. General Gardner then said to General 
Andrews, 'General, I will now formally surrender my 
command to you, and for that purpose you will give the 
orders to ground arms.' The order was given and the 
arms were grounded. 

"After that General Andrews sent for the enemy's 
general officers, staff and field officers. The line officers 
were left with their companies and a guard, composed of 
the 22d Louisiana and 75th New York, placed over 
them. These formalities over, the glorious old flag of 
the Union was unfolded to the breeze from one of the 
highest bluffs facing the river, by the men of the Rich- 
mond, a battery thundered forth its salute, which rolled 
majestically up and down the broad surface of the 
Mississippi — and Port Hudson was ours." 

From the Port Hudson Freemen, July 14, 1863: 

"Port Hudson, July 8. This place was unconditionally 
surrendered this morning, and JNIajor-General Gardner, 
General Bealls, Colonel Miles and about three hundred 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 213 

other officers, besides six thousand prisoners, fell into the 
hands of the Union forces. General Banks marched in 
and took possession on the 9th. 

"The number of rebel soldiers drawn up in line when 
the surrender took place was about four thousand. In 
addition to this number, there were about fifteen hun- 
dred sick and wounded; the wounded numbered about 
five hundred. The wounds are generally very severe in 
the head, and by the bullets of sharpshooters. 

"The United States flag was run up at nine o'clock on 
Thurdsay morning, the 9th instant, and was saluted by the 
Hartford as she passed. There had been terrible sickness 
in the garrison, and almost total destitution of medicine. 
They suffered terribly from this cause. The Arizona was 
dispatched to Vicksburg with dispatches from Major-Gen- 
eral Banks soon after the surrender was completed, and 
by this time the glorious news has circulated all over the 
North, and gladdened the hearts of all true patriots. 

"The residences in Port Hudson village are in a de- 
plorable condition. Every building that we have noticed 
has either been hit with shot or shell and completely 
riddled. Even the church edifice did not escape. It is 
full of holes made by the balls, and the shells have shat- 
tered it considerably. Carpenters will be in demand 
before they will assume their wonted shape. All of them 
have been used for hospitals or a place for commissary 
stores, and general repair and reinvigorating will have to 
do their share before they will be healthy and comfort- 
able places to abide in. Such is war. 

"For some time previous to the surrender of Port Hud- 
son the rebel garrison subsisted on fresh mule and horse 
meat. In order to make this hold out it was issued by 
a commissary; also, to make the meal last, a cob was 
ground with it, and half a pound allowed to each man 
daily. Even this was about exhausted before the sur- 
render was made. The above is vouched for by officers 
and men with whom we have conversed." 



214 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 



CHAPTER XVII 

GAREISONING PORT HUDSON — THE REGIMENT EMBARK ON 

THE STEAMER OMAHA VOYAGE UP THE RIVER TO 

CAIRO — JOURNEY HOME 

AFTER the formal surrender had taken place and 
the men were allowed to break ranks, the soldiers 
of both armies mingled together in the most cor- 
dial and friendly manner, exhibiting no rancor or ill- 
feeling on the one side or the other. The Confederates 
seemed to be as pleased that the contest was over as the 
Federals, and it was difficult to realize that a few days 
before they had been arrayed against each other in deadly 
conflict. The destructive effect of our artillery fire ap- 
peared on every side. Buildings were demolished, others 
riddled, trees shattered, great holes torn up in the earth, 
and the carcasses of cattle and mules were strewn about. 
Tents were soon issued, a camp formed, and during the 
interval until July 28 the men were required to drill, 
go on guard and have dress parade. Several of the regi- 
ments, including the 50th, were organized into a tempo- 
rary brigade under Colonel Atwood. 

Diary of Corpl. Henry H. Johnson, Company F: 
"July 11. This morning I was pained to hear of the 
sudden death of Wyman D. Jacobs and his brother, 
Lieutenant Jacobs, of the 26th Connecticut. Wyman 
died Wednesday morning, 8th instant, and was buried 
the same day. Lieutenant Jacobs died Sunday, July 5. 
They were both very fine men, and in Wyman I have lost 
my best friend in the army. Always together since we 
enlisted, everything we had we used together, and since 
he left us to go to Baton Rouge I have missed him much. 
He was a good soldier, always ready to do his duty, and 




IRA HURD ANDREW F. STOWE 

2d Lieut. Co. F. 50th Mass. ^^^^^^^ ^ ^^^^^^^ 2d Lieut. Co. G, 50th Mass. 

2d Lieut. Co. H, 50th Mass. ^^ ^^,^^ 

JAMES H. RUNDLETT GEORGE H. BLINN 

2d Lieut. Co. K, 50th Mass. 



Corpl. Co. A, 50th Mass. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 215 

loved by all his comrades. He was in the battle of the 
27th of May and the 14th of June, when his brother was 
wounded. I remember well what a shock it was to 
Wyman when he heard of it. He never recovered his 
usual spirits, always anxious for his brother's welfare. 
Little did I think, when I left him at the doctor's quarters, 
that it was the last time I should ever see him, but how 
uncertain life and health are in this part of our country! 
God grant that my life may be spared and that I may 
very soon have the pleasure of once more meeting the 
friends at home. 

"Tuesday, July 14. This is the end of the time for 
which we volunteered. Port Hudson has surrendered, 
but we are not on our way home. The regiment is 
detailed to guard the prisoners who have been put on 
steamers and sent to their homes. The privates are 
paroled and go up the river, but the officers are to go to 
New Orleans. Companies F and K are detailed to take 
the officers on board the steamer Suffofk (formerly our 
old rotten steamer the Niagara) to New Orleans. We 
started at five o'clock p.m. and arrived at Baton Rouge 
in one and one-half hours, where we remained till the 
next morning. We had eighty-nine rebel officers on 
board, and our guard consisted of thirty-eight. 

"Wednesday, July 15. Started from Baton Rouge at 
daylight, passed Donaldsonville at ten o'clock, the 
ironclad gunboat Essex and the river steamers Emperor 
and North American. Spoke the Essex, and heard that 
Lee had been completely annihilated in Pennsylvania. 
Arrived at New Orleans at four p.m., and just before dark 
conducted the prisoners to the custom house and deliv- 
ered them up to the U.S. authorities." 

Diary of Sergeant Nelson: 

"July 14. Captain Barnes made a request that I 
might be permitted to leave camp and go to Baton Rouge 
to close up all business, to see that headboards were 
placed by the graves of those of Company K who had 



216 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

died since we left, obtain from the hospitals their effects, 
and then return on the boat that is to bring up our tents 
and camp equipage. The immense amount of red tape 
necessary to get started was wonderful. That I, an 
insignificant private, who enlisted for thirteen dollars a 
month to stand up and be shot at, should find it neces- 
sary, when wanting to travel about twenty-five miles, 
to consult so rnany eminent men and gain their un- 
qualified consent, raised myself in my own estimation, 
so that I thought perhaps I would buy a steamboat and 
take a select party of friends along with me. First, 
Colonel Messer received the document, and knowing me 
well, gave the consent unhesitatingly, and respectfully 
forwarded it to Colonel Atwood, commanding brigade. 
After due deliberation, he seized a pen and signed his 
name, approving, and with his best respects forwarded 
it to General Andrews, commander of Port Hudson, who 
unhesitatingly gave his autograph, and sent it up to be 
signed by R. B. Irwin, adjutant general of this depart- 
ment. After gaining his signature I artlessly inquired 
if it was to be sent to Washington for President Lincoln's 
indorsement before our boat could be launched upon 
the waves, which being answered in the negative, I 
started to get transportation. 

''The medical boat was to leave at two o'clock, and it 
was my aim to go on it if I could get a pass. This must 
come from Dr. Alexander, surgeon-in-chief, and the next 
move to make was to find him and the pass. Enlisting 
the sympathies of Surgeon Cogswell, a coach was called, 
and for two long hours Dr. Alexander was searched for 
as for hidden treasures, and with about the average 
result. He was out, but after long delays his best man 
came down to the landing and escorted us over the gang- 
plank, and coming on board in such 'goodlie companie,' 
the guard passed me for all I was worth. It is sometimes 
well to make a favorable impression at sight, and in the 
present case it was extremely so. Captain Littlefield of 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 217 

Company E was on the landing very anxious to go below, 
but could see no way of getting a pass. I proposed to 
try the effect of cheek, but the captain thought it would 
be useless. However, I walked down the gangway, re- 
questing the guard to observe the general contour of my 
eyes and nose, as I wished to return again in a few min- 
utes. Stepping up to where the captain was standing, I 
requested him to follow like a dutiful man. He did so. 
We passed the guard, 

' He smiled a smoile, 
He winked a wunk/ 

and my friend, the captain, had a 'sure thing' for a ride 
on the medical boat. 

"About dark the boat swung from her moorings, and 
without any mishap arrived at Baton Rouge about the 
noon of night, and found the few in camp buried in pro- 
found slumber. The officers' tents of each company are 
all that are standing. The others are in condition to be 
moved at the word. Woke up Byron, called for two 
stews, and then to rest. 

"July 15. No more stores being furnished, flour and 
other necessaries of life were purchased, and Aunt Jose- 
phine, — called Phenie for short, — a noted cook, for- 
merly owned by a gentleman of high standing in this 
city, acted in that capacity for me. As the fig and other 
fruits of this clime furnished the desserts, we fared 
sumptuously every day. Overhauling my valise, a ' biled 
shirt' was found, and other light and airy articles for 
summer wear were put to use. I am quite reconciled to 
my lot. If a quartermaster or paymaster is wanted, 
apply within. In a mixed company this morning an 
acquaintance called me by name, when a man with the 
strap of a lieutenant colonel spoke up: 'I used to know 
that name in Massachusetts; where is the owner?' Turn- 
ing around, I faced a stranger who introduced himself. 



218 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

and I immediately grasped by the hand one who, in 
days long gone, was a playmate of mine. Pleasantly we 
talked of old times, and ten thousand boyish reminiscences 
of Georgetown as it was, and of those who were with us 
then. The hurry and bustle of the times make meetings 
short, so we parted. I think state rights or state pride 
is felt immensely strong out here. To illustrate: some 
little time ago the band boys, wishing a favor granted 
them, which favor was to come through the commander 
of 30th Massachusetts, Colonel Bullock, I was solicited 
to act in their behalf; so 'I hied me away' to the colonel's 
quarters, and stated their request in as mild and unas- 
suming a manner as possible, and hoping that if it was 
in his power he would grant their petition. For a long 
time he objected, stating many good reasons, and begin- 
ning to think he was about right, I was on the point of 
leaving, when he abruptly asked, 'AVho are you, and 
where from?' I told him Massachusetts was my native 
State, and I was a member of the 50th Massachusetts 
Volunteer Militia. 'Massachusetts? Stop! What is it 
you want? I do not care what you want; have it. Yes; 
have anything — anything there is around here ; take 
it and keep it, and I only wish I could do something 
more for you and the band.' I struck up 'Yankee 
Doodle homeward bound,' and marched back to camp, 
one abreast, thanking heaven that I was born in the old 
Bay State, and that my glorious old ancestor came over 
in the Mayflower, and was the first to plant his foot on 
Plymouth Rock. 

"16th. A few letters came up from New Orleans on 
the last night steamer. I took them over to the hospital 
for delivery. Among them was one for Amos Dole. 
This I took to the general hospital, and there making 
inquiries was directed to the ward, but was told that he 
was very near his end. He had consciousness of my 
being present, and called me by name, but was too far 
gone to talk, or take notice of letters from home. A 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 219 

sudden change came over him, and recHning his head 
on my arm, 

' Without a sigh, a change of feature or a shaded smile, 
He gave his hand to the stern messenger, 
And as a glad child seeks his father's arms, went home.' 

"No man ever enUsted in this war from better motives, 
no man enjoyed the excitement of march or bivouac, or 
was more ready to respond to duty's call, or anticipated 
more pleasure in fighting his battles over again, when 
this cursed war is ended. In accordance with my orders, 
I have been out to the cemetery, which is about two 
miles out of the city, and placed headboards at the 
graves of my comrades of Company K. A large tract of 
land has been laid out very systematically and numbered 
by brigades, regiments and companies. A plan of the 
ground is kept by the general superintendent, and we can 
find the sought-for dead without much trouble. Here is 
the last of earth. 

' After the battle, peaceful graves.' 

"Returning to the city found that orders had arrived, 
that everything must be put in condition for transporta- 
tion. Early to-morrow morning a steamer leaves for 
Port Hudson, and with it everything and everybody 
belonging to the 50th goes on it. All remaining tents are 
struck and rolled ; clothing, equipments of dead com- 
rades from the various hospitals gathered, boxed and 
labeled. The old camp stove, having run the race set 
before it, was sold at a very low figure and closed up the 
concern. The last night in Baton Rouge; bed as hard as 
a board; stars shining and twinkling, just as they have 
been ever since they sung together. 

"17th. At early call the teams began to load our 
effects, and in a few hours, turning our faces toward the 
Mississippi, the old camp ground saw the ' last of the bare 
uns.' Stopping a team at the hospital to gather the 



220 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

effects of Amos Dole, I was met by the hospital steward, 
who coolly informed me that it was usual to retain the 
clothing of men who died at the hospital under his charge. 
Feeling my extreme smallness in his presence, I humbly 
stated that in all other cases everything had been gathered 
and would be returned to the relatives of the deceased, 
and hoped he would grant this, my last request; but his 
mind was made up and he should not. As I turned to go, 
I said, ' That depends entirely upon how high authority 
I can enlist in my favor in the short time I have before 
the boat leaves.' Starting for somebody's headquarters, 
by a special providence almost the first man I met was 
Surgeon Cogswell, who I supposed was up at Port Hudson. 
I stated the case; he wrote a few lines, using the pommel 
of his saddle for a writing desk, giving it to me, expressed 
himself that he thought the great mogul might notice it; 
if not, he would go himself. Making my second visit, I 
passed this letter to my friend, the steward, who passed 
over what I called for without deigning a remark. 

' ' Looking over the articles I found a ring was missing 
that I knew was with him yesterday. He denied all 
knowledge of it, and as the boat was just ready to start 
it was impossible to get any satisfaction. I told him 
that it had been stolen since Amos died, and I had no 
doubt he knew where it was. He called me names and 
I called him worse ones; my last words were about robbing 
dead soldiers, and his were about my leaving as soon as 
convenient, and thus with mutual hate we parted. 

"The steam was up and the boat immediately turned 
her bow up river, and Baton Rouge became dim in the 
distance. The crevasse through which we were so un- 
ceremoniously drawn last March was noted. The river 
is now down to low-water mark, and that vast extent of 
submerged cane field is as dry as dust. Then we seemed 
to be sailing along on the tops of houses; now we have to 
mount the hurricane deck to see what is doing on the 
plantations. The shades of evening were settling around 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 221 

the solitary residence of Mr. Winter; as the boat passed 
by not a living mortal appeared around that domicile; 
everything was quiet and gloomy, and steaming up, our 
boat soon found anchorage at the landing. 

"July 22. The days pass slowly, and when a human 
being is obliged to resort to thunder showers for amuse- 
ments to beguile the tedious hours, convivialty and mirth 
must be rare articles. The captain's room had been used 
as the sitting room of a hotel more than any other tent or 
room in this vicinity. Captain Barnes's good nature and 
pleasant anecdotes have always assured him an audience 
under all circumstances. Thus the field officers of this 
regiment are often found here, entirely divested of all 
military dignity, passing the joke, relating anecdotes or 
some personal experience, and driving dull care away. 
Within the precincts of this tent to-night, as usual, a 
number of them had dropped in, and the old canvas fairly 
grinned with delight. Before the hour for closing had 
arrived a howling thunder shower, totally regardless of 
weak nerves or timid temperaments, poured out its vials. 
Many tents lay prostrate and Wildes and myself did our 
level best, and the old concern weathered the gale. The 
night will long be remembered by that company." 

The Confederate organizations, the privates and non- 
commissioned officers of which were paroled were as 
follows: 

1st Alabama Infantry, 49th Alabama Infantry, 1st 
(8th) Arkansas Infantry, 10th Arkansas Infantry, 11th 
Arkansas Infantry, 12th Arkansas Infantry, 14th Ar- 
kansas Infantry, 15th Arkansas Infantry, 16th Arkansas 
Infantry, 17th Arkansas Infantry, 18th Arkansas In- 
fantry, 23d Arkansas Infantry, 4th Louisiana Infantry, 
9th Louisiana Infantry, 30th Louisiana Infantry, Miles's 
Louisiana Legion, 1st Mississippi Infantry, 39th Mississippi 
Infantry, Claibourne's Mississippi Infantry, Battalion 
Tennessee Infantry, 12th Louisiana Artillery (Heavy), 
1st Tennessee Artillery (Heavy), Boone's Louisiana 



222 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

Artillery (Light), Watson's Louisiana Artillery (Light), 
1st Mississippi Artillery (Light), English's Mississippi 
Artillery (Light), Seven Stars Mississippi Artillery (Light), 
1st Tennessee Artillery (Light). 

The month of July wore away and still the regiment 
remained. The prisoners had been paroled, our term of 
enlistment had long since expired; other nine-months reg- 
iments had embarked for home, but the 50th was detained. 

At one o'clock on the morning of July 27 thirteen 
steamers passed down the river loaded with troops from 
Vicksburg. Lighted from stem to stern, they presented 
a beautiful sight as they steamed by Port Hudson. 

The month was drawing to a close ; with longing and 
impatience we were looking forward to our home return. 

On the 28th the welcome order was received to turn 
over all ordnance stores, arms and equipments to the chief 
ordnance officer immediately. No order was ever obeyed 
with greater readiness. At half past ten, on the morning 
of July 29, the regiment was all on board ; and the 
Omaha with her stem up stream drew in her lines from 
the landing and steamed up the river. The campaign 
was closed, our service of nine months ended, and with 
pleasing anticipations of home and friends at the next 
bend of the river we caught our last glimpse of Port 
Hudson. It was an historic spot, but the irony of fate, 
after the lapse of forty years, has left it almost a deserted 
waste. The railroad is a thing of the past; the port no 
longer exists; the river sweeps away in a new channel to 
Port Hickey, a mile below. The memory of those event- 
ful days is fading away; most of the actors in the great 
struggle sleep in their graves; a few years more and the 
last survivor will have passed from earth, but the result 
of their labors will reach on for centuries to come, perhaps 
for all time. 

The Omaha was an old river steamer, decrepit with 
age, overloaded with human freight. The shores of the 
river lined with cottonwood were uninteresting. At 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 223 

half past five in the afternoon the mouth of Red River 
was reached. A Uttle farther on the fine old plantation 
of Zachary Taylor was passed, and the next morning 
found the steamer fast at Natchez, under the hill. At 
almost every landing some poor fellow, wasted away with 
disease, was laid at rest. Here was buried Elias A. 
Trofatter of Company A. Our passage up the river was 
slow, the wheezing old hulk making only six miles an hour. 
This day we steamed by Rodney and Grand Gulf. 

A little after daylight on the morning of July 31 the 
lines were cast ashore at Vicksburg and a supply of 
coal taken aboard on the opposite shore. Another death 
and another burial, Horace Carter of Company H. Here 
are shown the first signs of activity; steamers line the 
shore, but everything pertains to war. The fortifications 
and the effects of the siege stand out in clear view. It 
was six o'clock in the afternoon before the Omaha got 
under way. 

Saturday, August 1. Soon after breakfast passed 
the village of Lake Providence, a little town with two 
churches. "A burning sun, a withering, scorching breeze 
and a huge fire below sending up heat, smoke and cinders, 
smother, stifle, choke." 

Sunday, August 2. Passed Napoleon this morning 
and the mouth of Arkansas River, and a little farther up 
came to White River. 

Diary of Sergeant Nelson: 

"This has been the saddest day of the trip; between 
midnight and sunrise this morning young Crosby of 
Company K and two other members of the regiment died. 
Owing to the bad feeling of the people along the shore, 
we did not land till about the middle of the forenoon. 
On the banks of the Mississippi, just above the mouth of 
the White River, the steamer was brought up to the bank, 
and three graves were dug, and all that our circumstances 
would admit of was done to give Cliristian burial. 
Almost the entire regiment stood with uncovered heads. 



224 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

Captain Duncan performed the sad services, tenderly 
replacing the soil over their remains; we withdrew, and 
immediately the bell sounded for the boat to move. I 
can scarcely conceive of anything more distressing than 
the inexorable decree of fate which obliges us to leave 
our dead comrades by the way, buried in strange lands, 
without a single object to mark their final resting place. 
The winds moan and the river, rippling along to the sea, 
moistens their lonely graves, yet they heed it not. In 
the stillest of stillness we leave them, and thank God 
for immortality. No burial of any member of the regi- 
ment caused more real sorrow than these this morning. 
We made no reckoning of leaving any by the way, but 
expected that all who started would see home. In the 
death of young Crosby there were many reasons why the 
sympathies of the men of the regiment were excited to a 
greater degree than would have been for almost any 
private that I know of. He was the only boy belonging 
to the regiment detailed on our first going into camp for 
extra duty, then changed to the adjutant's department. 
He was brought in contact with officers and men con- 
tinually. Having had considerable experience the year 
before in the Army of the Potomac in the 19th Massa- 
chusetts, his knowledge of the detail of army life was 
wonderful for one of his age. Major Hodges, who was a 
lieutenant in that regiment, took Thede under his special 
protection, and he became a general favorite. For a few 
weeks he had been poorly, but nothing serious was appre- 
hended until within a few days. Yesterday he showed 
unmistakable signs that he would not live to see home; 
in the evening he was brought into the after part of the 
boat and everything possible done for his comfort; long 
before morning dawned, resting quietly in the colonel's 
arms, he passed away." 

The river at this point is strongly guarded by iron- 
clads and land forces, as is also the mouth of the Arkan- 
sas River, which we passed to-day. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 225 

Monday, August 3. The Omaha ran on to a sand bar 
during the night, the rotten old craft sprung aleak, the 
water running in through the cracks, threatening to sink 
her. All hands went to work, and she was kept afloat by 
bailing. The captain took a small boat and a crew of 
men and started up the river a few miles for Helena 
to obtain assistance. He returned about daylight with 
two steamers. The sick were transferred to the Modera- 
tor, and the rest of the regiment to the Luther M. Kennett, 
a large and powerful high-pressure side-wheel steamer. 

After a tedious delay the voyage was resumed, and 
soon the white tents of an encampment came into view, 
and a little farther up, the city of Helena, Ark., 
where we delayed a few hours in coaling. The Kennett 
had ample accommodations for the men, and the change 
was agreeable from the contracted quarters of the Omaha. 
Helena at this time was an important post, garrisoned by 
10,000 troops under General Prentiss. 

While the vessel was being coaled the men had an 
opportunity to go ashore, and after hard-tack and river 
water for five days a brisk trade was carried on in sutlers' 
supplies. T. P. Perley, a member of Company K, died 
while we were waiting here, after a long sickness, and was 
buried in the soldiers' lot. 

August 4. Memphis was reached about noon, and we 
were delayed till evening taking in coal. The bustle and 
activity of a busy city characterized the place. Steamers 
lined the levee; boats were discharging and taking on 
freight. Drays laden with merchandise filled the street 
along the shore. Teams of the Adams Express Company 
reminded us of home. The avenues and sidewalks were 
crowded with elegant turnouts and well-dressed people, 
and the stores and shops were filled with fashionable 
goods. Thrift and prosperity take the place of ruin and 
decay, which were observed farther down the river. It 
was inspiring to once again see a flourishing and beautiful 
city. After the scanty and unsatisfying army rations of 



226 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

seven months it seemed almost impossible for the boys 
to placate their long-abused stomachs and appease their 
appetites, and so hucksters and venders of fruit were in 
great demand. Even the river water had not so vitiated 
the palate that a mint julep had lost its savor. 

Having dropped down stream to fill the bunkers with 
coal, it was after dark when we steamed by the city, and 
as we passed the lights flashed from the numerous 
steamers and the city lights of streets and buildings 
presented a beautiful and dazzling sight. Perhaps the 
most interesting quarter of our boat is the cabin, which 
is used as the dining room, and the most interesting time 
of day to those who have some scrip left is when the 
table is set. The captain takes his place at the head, 
and a magnificent colored gentleman presides over a 
corps of waiters, performing the functions of a steward 
with a very distinguished air. The commissioned officers 
are first served, and then the private has a chance if he 
is fortunate enough to possess the cash with which to pay 
for a meal. It is feared some of these privates had 
pockets even more hungry and capacious than their 
stomachs, judging from the quantity of cakes and pies 
that disappeared and were later distributed among the boys. 

Certain circumstantial evidence would seem to indicate 
that groups of men formed a sort of communistic society, 
clubbed together, and for the price of a single meal, through 
their representative, managed to distribute a supply of 
food among the entire mess. 

The knowledge possessed by the pilots of the tortuous 
channel and how and where to steer the boats was mar- 
velous. First on one side of the river, then on the other, 
then in the middle of the stream; at one time hugging the 
shore so that one could almost step on to the land, the 
next moment steering out perhaps with a sharp curve; 
and then the current is ever changing. Where the 
channel runs to-day perhaps next week a sand bar will 
be piled up to almost the surface of the water; and then 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 227 

the pilot must always be on the watch for snags. It was 
said of an old Mississippi pilot "that he would look in 
his hand and see every snag and sand bar from St. Louis 
to New Orleans." Before the war and prior to the time 
when railroads had honeycombed the country, the Mis- 
sissippi steamers catered to the best class of travel, and 
were fitted up with considerable elegance. A voyage of 
several days from New Orleans to St. Louis, stopping at 
the various ports along the river, presented many social 
attractions; friendships were formed; the time whiled 
away with games of chance, and in those days in many 
ways such a voyage was as enjoyable as a voyage across 
the Atlantic now. All along the valley of the Mississippi 
the air is charged with the traditional stories of those good 
old times when the wealthy planter, with his retinue of 
slaves, traveled in the state of a foreign lord. 

Wednesday, August 5. The trip to-day was a pleas- 
ant one, Tennessee on our right and Arkansas on our 
left. In the morning passed Fort Pillow, and towards 
evening hauled up at a wood yard in Missouri to take 
on a supply of wood. The conversation that took place 
between the captain and the proprietor of the wood 
yard was narrated by a member of the regiment as fol- 
lows: "Between the expectorations of tobacco Juice the 
captain is informed in answer to his inquiry, 'What kind 
of wood is it?' 'It is cord wood.' Pursuing his investi- 
gation, the next inquiry will be, 'How long has it been 
cut? ' ' Four feet.' Still persistent after knowledge under 
difficulties, Captain Reed asked how he sold it. 'For 
money,' came back the hoarse reply. ' Do you take Con- 
federate bonds?' 'Y-a-a-s.' As we are getting north, 
there is considerable discount on the circulating medium, 
and, anticipating this, the captain cautiously inquired on 
what terms he took dilapidated currency. The old 
hoosier straightened himself up to his extreme height, 
and answered back, 'Cord for cord!'" 

After this preliminary chaffing, a trade was made, the 



228 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

boys went to work with the colonel at their head, and in 
an hour twenty-six cords were put on board. 

Thursday, August 6. The last day of our voyage. 
Early in the day steamed by New Madrid and the famous 
Island No. 10, where the garrison turned out, and cheered 
us as we passed, the band striking up national airs. We 
were now opposite the Kentucky shore, and the fine 
farms, high state of cultivation, bountiful orchards and 
grazing cattle indicated a prosperous and fertile state. 
The city of Hickman was soon reached, and a little later 
Columbus came in sight. Columbus at that time was 
the center for government quartermasters' stores for the 
South and West. After leaving here, a steamer was ob- 
served coming up the river, which proved to be our old 
friend the Omaha on her way to Cairo for repairs. Greet- 
ings were exchanged, and a challenge given for trial of 
speed. The challenge was accepted, and the last ten 
miles was an exciting race. The two ancient craft seemed 
to renew their youth. Wood, pine knots and anything 
that would make speed was piled on to the fire. The 
two boats were almost neck and neck, but the Kennett 
touched the levee at Cairo just ahead of the Omaha. 
The voyage had consumed eight days and a little more. 
It was almost nine months since the regiment had left 
Boxford. Many had gone never to return; others were 
wasted with a fatal sickness, but as the men stepped 
upon the soil of a northern state it was a moment of 
supreme happiness. 

Cairo, situated at the confluence of the Ohio and 
Mississippi, a city built upon mud, had been a place of 
strategic importance, low and forbidding, but on that 
night it was the entrance to Paradise. This was our last 
night on the steamer. On the morrow those of the sick 
unable to proceed were left in the hospital at Mound 
City four miles above Cairo, and at eleven a.m. the 
regiment had been packed into cattle cars, the whistle 
sounded, and the train started on the homeward trip. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 229 

Southern Illinois, through which we rode, is a fertile 
farming country, the crops mostly of corn in unbroken 
fields of hundreds of acres. What a change was observed 
north of the Ohio! No more sullen faces and averted 
looks. All along the route, through village and farm, 
the people swung their hats and waved their handker- 
chiefs. Just before sundown the train drew up at Cen- 
tralia for a short stop. 

Saturday, August 8. Arrived at Mattoon before light, 
changed to a train of passenger cars, and were off at 
six A.M. Last night in many ways was the most uncom- 
fortable one experienced during the service in our abor- 
tive attempts to get a little sleep. Closely packed, 
rolled up, curled up, doubled up, rest was almost impos- 
sible, and the privilege of stretching our legs at Mattoon, 
and afterwards enjoying the comfort of passenger cars, 
was a great relief. 

The ride to-day has been over the prairie, through suc- 
cessive fields of wheat. Horses, cattle and swine roam 
over the pastures. Passed through Terre Haute, where 
a brief stay was made, and then kept on to Indianapolis, 
reaching there a little before evening, where supper was 
furnished and an opportunity given for a stroll over 
the city. Another change of cars at this place, the 
train being made up partly of box and partly of pas- 
senger cars. 

Sunday, August 9. This Sabbath morning was one 
never to be forgotten by the men of the 50th Regiment, 
and the memory of Bellefontaine will be cherished by 
them for a lifetime. It was six thirty a.m. when the 
train hauled into the town. The station was filled with 
ladies and gentlemen loaded down with every delicacy 
that the market afforded. The boys were taken in charge 
by the citizens and invited to their homes, where such 
breakfasts were set before them as could be furnished 
only by large-hearted western hospitality. The moral 
effect upon these returning New England soldiers was 



230 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

greater than that of any sermon ever preached. The 
generosity and patriotism of these good people illustrated 
the treatment accorded to us through the entire West. 
The enthusiasm cooled as the regiment passed through 
New York and Massachusetts. At Marion the same re- 
ception awaited us. "Our ride to-day has been through 
the garden of Ohio. Fields of stacked wheat, hillsides 
covered with trellised grapevines, and cattle feeding upon 
sweet-scented clover" presented an interesting picture. 
About five o'clock in the afternoon the train rolled into 
the depot at Cleveland, where a great concourse of people 
received us and a bountiful collation was served. Another 
change of cars and off for Buffalo. 

Monday, August 10. Arrived at Buffalo at daylight, 
and after breakfast took another train for AU^any. 
"The day has been one of hilarity, pleasant and beauti- 
ful. The road, a large part of the way, leads along the 
Erie Canal." Over the New York Central the train runs 
through the charming Mohawk Valley, the blue Alle- 
ghanies visible in the distance, through the cit}' of 
Rochester with its falls and flour mills, Utica, and Syra- 
cuse with its salt works. 

"Near the close of the day we rolled into Little Falls 
and made a long stop. Here the river, the canal and 
the railroad run along and wind through the gorge of 
the mountains. The wildness of the scenery is hardly 
surpassed." 

At two o'clock in the morning we arrived at Albany, 
where rations were issued, crossed the Hudson, and at 
sunrise were in Massachusetts. It was between four 
and five o'clock on the afternoon of Tuesday, Aug. 11, 
1863, when the train rumbled into the old Boston 
and Worcester Railroad station, from which we had gone 
nine months before. Relatives and friends were there 
to bid us farewell when we left; they were there to greet 
us when we returned. 

After a collation at Beach Street Barracks the regi- 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 231 

ment marched to the Common and was dismissed, the 
several companies returning to their respective towns 
under their own commanders. On the 24th of August 
the regiment was mustered out at Wenham by Capt. J. 
K. Lawrence of the 11th U.S. Infantry. 



232 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 



CHAPTER XVIII 

GENERAL DUDLEY 

GENERAL NATHAN A. M. DUDLEY was born at 
Lexington, Aug. 20, 1825. He came from old 
New England stock, his first ancestor in the male 
line in this country being Francis Dudley, who settled in 
Concord about 1663, and who was a soldier in King 
Philip's War. In early life he was interested in military 
affairs, and from 1844 to 1853 was an officer in the state 
militia, and during a large portion of this period was 
engaged in business as a clothing dealer in Haymarket 
Square, Boston. 

When only eighteen years of age he was adjutant of 
the 5th Regiment of Artillery under Col. Andrew Chase, 
and was appointed brigade major of the Boston Brigade, 
serving on the staffs of Generals Chase, B. F. Edmonds 
and Samuel Andrews. At the time of the Boston riots 
he headed the column that marched down State Street 
upon the rendition of Burns and Simms. 

In 1849 he accompanied the Mounted Rifles, now 3d 
Cavalry, U.S.A., to Oregon, across the plains and Rocky 
Mountains, under the command of Colonel Fremont. 
From Oregon he sailed to the Sandwich Islands, thence 
to California, and was in Sacramento in the winter of 
1850, returning home by way of Central America and 
Jamaica in the spring of that year. 

In 1852 he visited Europe and was abroad most of the 
year. 

In March, 1855, he was appointed to a first lieutenancy 
in the United States Infantry, and was ordered to Fort 
Leavenworth, Kansas, his company being detached from 
the regiment. After being mounted he was attached to 




Gen. N. a. M. DUDLEY 
Baton Rouge, 1863 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 233 

the Sioux expedition under General Harney, and made 
the campaign against the Sioux Indians in 1855. This 
expedition was a perfect success, as all of Harney's cam- 
paigns were. He succeeded in trapping the Sioux on 
the north bank of the North Platte near the mouth of 
Ash Hollow, most thoroughly punishing the Brules under 
their old leader, Little Thunder, killing over a hundred 
of their number and corraling some 2,000 prisoners. 
Lieutenant Dudley's company was specially mentioned 
in orders for the part it took in this fight, which occurred 
Sept. 5, 1855. 

The spring of 1856 found him with his company sta- 
tioned in the sand hills of Nebraska on the north fork 
of the Platte near the only bridge then west of the Mis- 
souri River. All the Indians on the plains at this time 
were more or less troublesome. The Cheyennes, one of 
the largest tribes of the Five Nations, were conspicu- 
ously so. On the 19th of April, 1856, Lieutenant Dudley 
attacked a force of ten times his own number, of this 
band, and succeeded in capturing many prominent chiefs 
and Indians who had been guilty of bad conduct toward 
the immigrants crossing the mountains the previous year. 

The breaking out of the Civil War found Company E, 
10th Infantry (Dudley's), with his regiment as part of 
the Utah expedition, where it had been for three years 
under Gen. Albert Sidney Johnson, supporting the civil 
authorities in their attempt to reconstruct Brigham 
Young and his lawless followers. The Rebellion caused 
the abandonment of Salt Lake, and the change of station 
from Utah to Washington, where the old 10th was as- 
signed to do duty as part of the provost guard of the 
Capitol under Dudley. All the senior officers had ac- 
cepted appointments of a higher grade than their regular 
commissions in volunteer regiments, or had resigned and 
gone into the Confederate Army, so that Dudley, with 
the rank of captain, had command of all the regular 
infantry stationed in Washington at that time. 



234 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

On the 5th of February, 1861, he was offered the 
colonelcy of the 30th Massachusetts Volunteers by Gen- 
eral Butler, with assurance if he would accept that a 
leave of absence from the Regular Army would be granted 
him for this purpose. He had refused the command of 
the 22d (Wilson's regiment) and of the 2d Illinois Cav- 
alry (Farnsworth's regiment). 

These were both members of Congress, but leave of 
absence could not be secured for him, as McClellan had 
declined to further deplete the efficiency of the regulars 
by granting leaves of absence to take higher commands 
in the volunteer regiments. Butler, however, succeeded 
over the heads of both Stanton and McClellan with Lin- 
coln in getting Dudley's leave, and he accompanied Gen- 
eral Butler to New Orleans via Ship Island on the ill- 
fated Mississippi, being assigned to the command of the 
forces on board, consisting of the 31st Massachusetts Vol- 
unteers, Neal Dow's Maine regiment, and Nims's Battery. 

After being partially shipwrecked on Frying Pan Shoals 
he finally reached Ship Island and assumed command for 
the first time of his own regiment, the 30th Massachu- 
setts Volunteers. As soon as the force could be organ- 
ized it was embarked and joined Farragut's fleet on the 
Mississippi to capture Forts Jackson, St. Philip and the 
city of New Orleans. On the fall of these places, on the 
2d of May, he was assigned to command of the troops in 
New Orleans and Carrollton. He was the officer whom 
Mrs. Philips spat upon, and with a group of young rebel 
women insulted on the occasion that the civil police of 
the city threw up their batons and refused to serve the 
government. 

Dudley was president most of the time of the military 
commission which tried and convicted Mumford, who 
was hung by General Butler for tearing down the flag 
on City Hall. 

In July, at his own request, he was relieved from this 
position, and ordered to join General Williams at Baton 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 235 

Rouge, who was being threatened by General Brecken- 
ridge. On reporting to General Williams he was assigned 
to a brigade of six regiments of infantry and two bat- 
teries of artillery. 

About the middle of July Colonel Dudley was ordered 
to proceed to a point on the Mississippi opposite Vicks- 
burg with three regiments of volunteers, Nims's Battery 
and two thousand contrabands for the purpose of turn- 
ing the river into this new channel and thus cutting off 
the city, but the project proved a failure, as the waters 
of the Mississippi soon fell. 

On the 2d of August orders were received to aban- 
don the work and for the forces to return to Baton Rouge 
and rejoin General Williams. The physical condition of 
the troops at this time was deplorable. Malaria had 
so reduced the efficiency of the command as to make it 
almost worthless. The 30th started on this expedition 
1 ,000 strong, and on the day of its return 700 were on the 
sick list with malarial fever. This regiment, on the morn- 
ing of the 5th of August, went into the fight with 800, 
the men getting up out of their bunks and falling into 
the ranks absolutely tottering from weakness. As soon 
as the troops were landed they prepared to receive the 
rebels under Breckenridge, who had assembled his forces 
on the Comite, ten miles away. Dudley was assigned to 
the right wing and Nickerson of the 13th Maine to the 
left wing, General Williams being in command. Dudley's 
forces consisted of the 2d Illinois, 4th Wisconsin, 6th 
Michigan, 7th Vermont, 30th Massachusetts Volunteers, 
Nims's and Phillips s Batteries with one company of Massa- 
chusetts Unattached Cavalry. General Williams was 
killed in the third assault, after which two additional 
assaults were made by the enemy. Upon the death of 
Williams, Dudley assumed command and finished the 
fight successfully, driving the Confederates back to their 
camp on the Comite. For his services in this affair he 
was brevetted major in the Regular Army. 



236 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

In the fall of 1862 he was relieved of his command at 
Baton Rouge and appointed inspector general of the 
department on the staff of General Banks. 

On the organization of the expedition to Texas for the 
purpose of capturing Galveston and Brownsville, he was 
relieved of his duty as inspector, and temporarily ap- 
pointed chief of staff with Banks and accompanied him 
on that expedition. 

On returning to New Orleans he was ordered to Baton 
Rouge, where he was assigned to the command of a bri- 
gade under Major-General Augur, and was employed in 
organizing, equipping and drilling troops, and preparing 
for the advance on Port Hudson in conjunction with 
Grant's forces acting against Vicksburg. 

Drills, grand reviews, parades and exercises kept all 
the troops active until the siege of Port Hudson was 
begun. Dudley's brigade was the first to advance and 
assumed a position at Merritt's Plantation. General 
Augur arrived at Merritt's Plantation the evening of 
May 26, but did not assume command until the forces 
reached Plains' store on the 27th. During the siege of 
Port Hudson, Dudley's forces were assigned to a section 
of the line to the right of the road leading from Port 
Hudson to Clinton, and his troops were under fire nearly 
every day during the entire siege. As soon as the sur- 
render of Gardner's forces was announced, Dudley's 
brigade was at once embarked and proceeded to Donald- 
sonville, where it was landed and moved out on the 
Bayou Lafourche towards Cox's Plantation, where the 
forces of Pollonack were struck, and a severe battle en- 
sued which lasted all the afternoon. A similar force had 
been sent to the south bank of the bayou with orders to 
keep abreast of Dudley's column on the north side. This 
force on the south side, failing to support him, so ex- 
posed his left flank as to seriously affect his advance and 
cause a heavy loss, notwithstanding he held his position 
until re-enforced the next day by General Weitzel, who 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 237 

ordered a withdrawal of Dudley's command, and Pol- 
lonack was allowed to retreat to his original position. 

After a brief season General Dudley was again ap- 
pointed inspector general of the Department of the Gulf, 
and ordered to New Orleans, where he was actively em- 
ployed in the inspection of the forces concentrated at 
Carrollton from Vicksburg and Baton Rouge, preparatory 
to the Texas expedition under Banks. The day before 
the embarkation of the troops for Texas, Dudley was 
temporarily assigned as chief of staff and accompanied 
General Banks on this expedition. 

On returning to New Orleans he was assigned to the 
command of the 4th Brigade of Cavalry and set about 
organizing, equipping and drilling this command for the 
unfortunate Red River campaign. The brigade consisted 
of the 2d Illinois Cavalry, 3d Massachusetts Cavalry, 
31st Massachusetts Infantry equipped as cavalry, and the 
8th New Hampshire Infantry also mounted and equipped 
as cavalry, with two regular batteries and Nims's Volun- 
teer Massachusetts Battery. 

This command was assigned to the advance in the Red 
River expedition and occupied the front line at the battle 
of Sabine Crossroads on the 8th of April. Had the troops 
forming the advance line on that day been supported by 
the troops under Franklin, the melancholy disaster to 
Banks's forces would not have occurred. The result 
would have been a victory instead of the unfortunate 
defeat and misfortune which attended that campaign. 

Dudley was relieved of this command and ordered 
again to Baton Rouge, where he commenced the organi- 
zation of a cavalry force, for the expedition to Mobile, 
which did not leave the department. At his own request 
he was relieved from duty in the Department of the Gulf 
and was ordered to the Department of the Shenandoah, 
under Sheridan, and en route through Washington he was 
detained by General Emory and placed in command of 
2,000 convalescent cavalry and sent to Monocacy. There 



238 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

the troops were distributed among their respective 
regiments and Dudley was assigned to duty as chief of 
staff of General Emory. In less than a month he was 
transferred to the command of the 3d Brigade in the 
2d Division of the 19th Army Corps, and with this brigade 
and one other, forming one command, he was employed 
in guarding and escorting supply trains from the base of 
supplies to Sheridan's front, against the attacks of 
Mosby's forces which annoyed the trains passing up the 
valley. 

The winter of 1864 wearing away and no activity going 
on in the valley, and feeling that he had little chance of 
promotion while Stanton was Secretary of War, he asked 
to be retired from the volunteer service and ordered to 
join his regular regiment under General Sykes. Instead 
of the request being granted he was ordered to report to 
Major-General Thomas at Nashville, Tenn. On his 
arrival at General Thomas's headquarters in that city he 
was assigned to the command of the forces stationed at 
Tullahoma, Tenn., consisting of western regiments num- 
bering over 6,000 men, which he commanded until the 
end of the war, when they were mustered out. 

At the close of the war, instead of being ordered to join 
his regular regiment, as he personally requested. General 
Thomas assigned him to duty as commissioner in the 
Freedmen's Bureau, and ordered him to Memphis, Tenn., 
relieving Curtis in that district. For six months and 
more, notwithstanding he protested against this assign- 
ment, and frequently asked to be relieved from a duty 
that was distasteful to him, and notwithstanding the 
fact that Gen. O. O. Howard had him relieved twice, he 
was as often reinstated by President Johnson at the 
request of General Thomas, commanding the department. 

This district of the Freedmen's Bureau comprised fully 
one-third of all the ex-slaves in the United States. On 
the date of his assuming charge of the bureau at Memphis 
over 100,000 slaves were living in idleness and filth in 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 239 

and about the city, massed together in sheds, outbuildings 
and in the open fields, regardless of sex, as promiscuous 
as cattle. In less than thirty days these colored people, 
without the families being separated, were located on 
plantations working on written contracts made by Dudley 
for a stipulated compensation. 

This duty ended he was ordered to join his own regi- 
ment in the Regular Army, the 15th Infantry, where he 
was employed in organizing the 24th Infantry. 

In 1867 he was transferred to the cavalry arm of the 
regular service, in which he remained, serving in the 
Department of the Platte and in the Department of 
Arizona and Texas, constantly occupied in scouting and 
looking after the Indians of our great West. In 1878 he 
was selected to take command of the district of Fort 
Stanton, New Mexico. Great disturbances had been 
going on there for a long time. Over one hundred murders 
had taken place. Dudley was sent to regulate these 
affairs. It resulted in his taking the greater part of his 
force and proceeding to the county seat, Lincoln, where 
he found two opposing parties facing each other and 
engaged in actual fighting. He assembled the leaders 
and told them that under the act of Congress he could not 
render aid to the civil authorities in making arrests, but 
he could protect the Federal buildings, the highways and 
insure the transmission of the mails; that he had come 
to the county seat for this purpose; that if either party 
fired a shot into his command to wound or kill one of his 
men, he would open his artillery on the building from 
which the shot was fired. He remained in camp in the 
plaza one night, during the darkness of which a large 
party under the United States marshal and county sheriff 
succeeded in driving the outlaws from their stronghold, 
killing some eleven of their number and burning the 
buildings they occupied. Not a shot was fired by one 
of Dudley's soldiers; ne-' ertheless he was indicted by a 
Mexican jury for the eleven murders and for burning the 



240 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

building. The indictments for murder were nol-prossed. 
He was tried by a Mexican jury for the burning, not one 
of whom could speak a word of English. 

The government at Washington furnished counsel to 
defend him. He was fully sustained in his action by the 
authorities. General Devens was Attorney-General of 
the United States at the time and gave Dudley loyal 
support, as did General Sherman, commanding the army. 
The course followed by Dudley ended the Lincoln County 
riots. That section of the country is as quiet and orderly 
a region to-day as can be found in any section of our 
isolated territory. 

The later years of Dudley's military life were passed 
in regulating the early settlers of Oklahoma, and keeping 
the Crows, Sioux, Cheyennes, Apaches and Buttes on 
their reservation up to 1888, when he was retired from 
active service at the age of sixty-four. 

Since his retirement from the army he has resided at 
his old home on Dudley Street, Roxbury, commanding 
the universal love and respect earned by a long and 
honorable military career in the service of his country. 



APPENDIX 

COMRADE MESSER of Company C and the writer 
visited Baton Rouge and Port Hudson in 1891, and 
found in the National Cemetery at Baton Rouge head- 
stones at the graves of the following comrades who were 
buried there: 



Otis F. Preston, 


Co. A. 


William W. Webster, 


Co. G. 


George Knowlton, 


Co. A. 


Joseph Williams, 


Co. G. 


WiUiam Tucker, Jr., 


Co. B. 


WiUiam C. Wallace, 


Co. G. 


James F. Tucker, 


Co. B. 


Andrew J. Mackay, 


Co. G. 


Elam W. Burnham, 


Co. B. 


George F. Lord, 


Co.H. 


Nathaniel W. Pettingill, Co. B. 


George F. Bickford, 


Co.H. 


Loring Patch, 


Co. B. 


Nicholas Skerett, 


Co. L 


John A. Poole, 


Co. B. 


Milton F. Jewett, 


Co.K. 


Jesse Mills, 


Co. C. 


WUUam 0. Sides, 


Co.K. 


Melton G. Holt, 


Co.D. 


Amos Spofford, 


Co.K. 


Tobias Pinkham, 


Co.D. 


Lyman Floyd, 


Co.K. 


John A. Trull, 


Co.D. 


Charles C. Dresser, 


Co.K. 


John L. Moore, 


Co. E. 


William Hunkins, 


Co.K. 


Jonathan L. Fillings, 


Co. E. 


John Parsons, 


Co.K. 


Henry B. Wellman, 


Co. E. 


Thomas 0. Blackburn, 


Co.K. 


Jonas C. Brown, 


Co. E. 


Richmond D. Merrill, 


Co.K. 


John F. Moses, 


Co. E. 


Augustine W.E. Gurley, Co. K. 


Charles H, Stickney, 


Co. F. 


Nathaniel W. French, 




George S. Davis, 


Co. F. 


Assistant Surgeon. 


Harry T. Himkins, 


Co. F. 


J. Warner, Signal Corps. 



There are buried in the National Cemetery at Port Hudson 
3,827, of whom 588 are known and 3,239 unknown. 



At Christmas, 1863, the following card was issued to the 
members of the regiment then in Philadelphia: 

The 50th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers, 

welcome to the " city of brotherly love." 

The Union Volunteer Refreshment Committee wish you all a 

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 



242 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

Roster of the Field, Staff and Line Officers of the 
Detachment of the 50th Regiment Massachusetts 
Volunteers in 1862 at Philadelphia 

C. P. Messer, Colonel. 
John W. Locke, Ldeut.-Col. 
John Hodges, Jr., Maj. 
Henry A. Wentworth, Adjt. 
William Cogswell, Surgeon. 
Henry W. Degen, Quartermaster. 
Robert Hassell, Chaplain. 

Company G. 

George W. Edwards, Capt. 
George W. Wallace, First Lieut. 
Andrew F. Stowe, Second Lieut. 

Company F. 

Samuel W. Duncan, Capt. 
David Boynton, First Lieut. 
Ira Hurd, Second Lieut. 

Company C. 

Darius N. Stevens, Capt. 
Samuel C. Trull, First Lieut. 
Frederick Cochrane, Second Lieut. 

Company B. 

J. S. Ward, Capt. 

Edward W. Phihpps, First Lieut. 

William H. Hurd, Second Lieut. 

Company D. 

George W. Coburn, Capt. 
Josiah S. Coney, First Lieut. 
Oramel T. Abbott, Second Lieut. 

Provost guard will pass the members of the 
50th Massachusetts Regiment. 

By Order of General Montgomery. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 243 

Soldiers' Guide to Philadelphia 
arranged for the 50th massachusetts volunteers 

The following are some of the places of interest to strangers 
in the city : 

Independence Hall, Chestnut Street above 5th, where a fine 
view of the city may be had from the steeple. 

United States Mint, Chestnut Street near Broad. 

United States Custom House (formerly United States Bank), 
Philadelphia Bank, Farmers' and Mechanics' Bank, New 
Post Office Buildings, Chestnut Street above Fourth. 

Merchants' Exchange, Newspaper and Telegraph Offices, and 
Post Office, Third Street below Chestnut. 

Girard College and Laurel Hill. Take Ridge Avenue cars. 

United States Naval Asylum. Take Pine Street cars. 

Penn's Treaty Tree. Take Third Street cars. 

The Eastern Penitentiary. Take Green Street cars. 

Philadelphia Almshouse and Woodlawn Cemetery, West Phil- 
adelphia. Take Market Street cars. 

Academy of Natural Sciences, Broad Street below Chestnut, 
adjoining the La Piere House. 

Academy of Music, Broad Street below Walnut. 

Academy of Fine Arts, Chestnut Street above Tenth. 

Institution for Deaf and Dumb, Broad and Pine. 

Institution for Blind, Race Street near Twentieth. 

Grave of Benjamin Franklin and wife, corner Fifth and Arch. 

Christ Church (organized 1695), Second Street above Market. 

Swedes Church (organized 1677), Swanson below Christian. 

St. Peter's Church (organized 1758), Third and Pine. 

Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul, 18th Street below Vine. 

The principal PubUc Squares are Independence, Washington, 
Frankhn, Jefferson, Penn, Rittenhouse and Logan. 

Arch Street Theater, Arch above Sixth. 

Walnut Street Theater, Ninth and Walnut. 

Masonic Hall, Chestnut below Eighth Street. 

Continental Hotel and Girard House, Ninth and Chestnut. 

Carpenter's Hall, where the first Congress of the United Colonies 
of North America assembled. Chestnut below Fourth (back). 

Stationery and accommodations for writing can be had free of 
charge by applying to any one of the Committee. 

Union Volunteer Refreshment Saloon, 
Philadelphia, Dec. 25, 1862. 



244 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

Organization of Troops in the 3d Military District, De- 
partment Mississippi and East Louisiana, commanded 
BY Maj.-Gen. Frank Gardner, April 30, 1863 



Maxey's Brigade. 

Brig.-Gen. S. B. Maxey commanding. 

10th Arkansas Col. A. R. Witt. 

4th Louisiana Lieut.-Col. W. F. Pennington. 

30th Louisiana Maj. Charles J. Bell. 

42d Tennessee Lieut.-Col. Isaac N. Hulme. 

46th Tennessee Col. A. J. Brown. 

48th Tennessee Col. A. S. Godwin. 

49th Tennessee Maj. D. A. Lynn. 

53d Tennessee Captain H. Haymett. 

55th Tennessee Col. A. J. Brown. 

Texas Battahon Sharpshooters Maj. James Burnet. 

Fenner's (Louisiana) Battery Capt. C. E. Fenner. 

Roberts's (Mississippi) Battery Lieut. F. W. Coleman. 

Watson's (Louisiana) Battery Lieut. E. A. Toledano. 

Beall's Brigade. 

Brig.-Gen. W. N. R. Beall, commanding. 

49th Alabama Col. Jeptha Edwards. 

1st Arkansas Battalion . . Lieut.-Col. Bart. Jones. 

11th Arkansas Col. John L. Logan. 

17th Arkansas John Grifiith. 

12th Arkansas Col. T. J. Reid. 

14th Arkansas Col. F. P. Powers. 

18th Arkansas Col. R. H. Crockett. 

23d Arkansas Col. O. P. Lyles. 

15th Arkansas Col. B, W. Johnson. 

16th Arkansas Col. David Provence. 

1st Mississippi Col. J. M. Simonton. 

39th Mississippi Col. W. B. Shelby. 

Co. B, 1st Miss. Light Artillery Capt. A. J. Herod. 

Co. F, 1st Miss. Light Artillery Capt. J. L. Bradford. 

Co. K, 1st Miss. Light Artillery Capt. George F. Abbay. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 245 

Gregg's Brigade. 

Brig.-Gen. John Gregg commanding, 

9th Louisiana BattaUon. 50th Tennessee. 

3d Tennessee. 1st Tennessee BattaUon. 

10th Tennessee. 7th Texas. 

30th Tennessee. 1st Missouri Light Battery. 

41st Tennessee. Brookhaven Light Battery. 

Ponchatoula. 

Col. J. M. Simonton commanding. 

McLaurin's BattaUon. Herren's Company. 

Cochran's Command. Lester's Company. 

Cavalry Command. 

Lieut.-Col. George Gantt commanding. 

9th Tennessee BattaUon . . Maj. James H. Akin. 

Garland's BattaUon .... Maj. W. H. Garland. 

Hughes's BattaUon Lieutenant-Colonel Wilbourn. 

Bryan's Company Captain Bryan. 

Gage's Company Captain Gage. 

Gonzales' (Daigre's) Company Captain Gonzales. 

Norman's Company .... Captain Norman. 

Stockdale's Company .... Captain Stockdale. 

Terrell's Company Captain Terrell. 

Unattached. 

9th La. BattaUon Partisan Rangers . Maj. J. DeBaun. 
Rhodes's Company . Capt. T. C. Rhodes. 

Heavy Artillery. 

Lieut.-Col. M. J. Smith commanding. 

1st Alabama Lieut-Col. M. B. Locke. 

12th Louisiana BattaUon . . Lieut.-Col. P. F. DeGournay. 

1st Tennessee BattaUon . . Lieut.-Col. P. F. DeGournay. 

Provost Guard (Unattached Companies). 

Lewis's Company Light Infantry . . Lieut. C. L. Barrot. 
English's (Mississippi) ArtiUery . . Lieut. W. W. Wilkins. 



246 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

The following extract is from the Portland Press of July 5, 
1893. It relates to Marcus A. Hanna of Company B: 

"Two days after the repulse and assault of June 14, 1863, at 
Port Hudson, Sergeant Hanna was detailed to bear the flag of 
truce over the plain, thickly strewn with the dead of the assault- 
ing column. Major Hodges posted him within some fifty yards 
of the rebel works with the order, if not relieved before, to retire 
with his flag when a corresponding flag on the rebel parapet was 
lowered. Darkness overtook the burial party, and with treach- 
ery so often displayed by the foe here it began firing before the 
sad work of burial was finished. The Union forces replied and 
the sergeant found himself caught between the hostile shots. 
He made good his escape, however, inside the Union hnes, 
where he promptly reported to Major Hodges, who apologized for 
having forgotten the sergeant. 

"July 4 1863. Sergeant Hanna's company was in the rifle 
pits supporting an Indiana battery. The distance between the 
battery and the rebel works was not more than 150 yards. The 
sun bore down on the men's unsheltered heads with intense heat 
and by noon every canteen was dry. Lieutenant Hurd asked 
for volunteers to go to the rear for water. Sergeant Hanna 
offered to try it alone. A dummy put up to test the rebel aim 
and temper was soon pierced by bullets. Taking a dozen or so 
of canteens he left the trench on his perilous errand. A quarter- 
mile of level open plain swept by rebel sharpshooters must be 
passed before cover was gained. When half the distance had 
been covered the sergeant feU prostrate. He was hit, but he 
afterwards said that his fall was only a ruse to deceive the foe 
and stop the shooting. It succeeded. In a few mmutes he 
quickly rose and ran like a deer for the nearest shelter. Return- 
ing he used greater caution and his mission was accomplished at 
the expense only of a buckshot wound in the calf of his leg." 

A Rebel Narrative 

. Extracts from statements of a rebel officer who escaped 
from Port Hudson while the surrender was taking place: 

"General Augur advanced from Baton Rouge, May 20. 
General Gardner sent out Colonel Miles with 400 cavalry and a 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 247 

battery towards Plains' store where he encountered the enemy 
with a loss of thirty killed and forty wounded on our side. At 
night our force fell back within the fortification. At the same 
time Colonel Power's cavalry, 300 strong, were engaged on the 
Baton Rouge and Bayou Sara road, about two miles from 
Colonel Miles. From the 22d to the 26th the enemy were 
investing our works. On the 27th assaults were made on our 
works against our left under Colonel Steedman, and on the 
extreme left of General Beall and Colonel Miles. On the left 
the attack was made by a brigade of negroes, about three regi- 
ments, together with the same force of white Yankees, across 
a bridge over Sandy Creek. The force was thrown against the 
39th Mississippi, Colonel Shelby, who opened upon them with 
musketry and artillery. The negroes fled every way in perfect 
confusion without firing a gun. The 1st Alabama, Lieutenant- 
Colonel Locke, and the 10th Arkansas, Colonel Witt, engaged the 
enemy outside the works until driven in. Colonel Johnson with 
the 15th Arkansas occupied a hill across Sandy Creek. General 
Beall 's left consisted of 1st Mississippi and 49th Alabama. At 
sunset the firing ceased after an engagement of twelve hours, 
the enemy repulsed at every point. 

"From this time to June 13 heavy skirmishing was kept up. 
On June 14, just before day, the fleet and all the land batteries 
which the enemy had succeeded in erecting at 100 to 300 yards 
from our breastworks opened fire at the same time. Under 
cover of the smoke the enemy advanced along the whole line, 
and in many places within ten feet of our works. Our brave 
fellows were wide awake, and drove them back with ' buck and 
ball,' a great number of them being left dead in the ditches. 
Those that succeeded in getting in the works were immediately 
killed. After a sharp contest of two hours the enemy were 
everywhere repulsed. After this repulse General Banks sent 
no flag of truce to bury his dead, who remained exposed three 
days between the lines. General Gardner directed General 
Beall to send a flag to General Augur to bury the dead of his 
division which lay in front of the 1st Mississippi and 49th 
Alabama. Two hundred and sixty dead bodies were handed 
over to the Yankees from this portion of the works, and one 
wounded man, who had been lying there three days without 
water, was flyblown from head to foot. 



248 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

"As the siege continued most of our artillery was disabled 
and about fifteen pieces uninjured at the time of surrender. 
The enemy must have fired from about 50,000 to 75,000 shot 
and shell; yet not more than twenty-five men were killed by 
these projectiles. About the 30th of June the supply of 
meat gave out, when General (lardner ordered the mules to be 
butchered, learning that the men were willing to eat them. 
Many caught rats and ate them, declaring that they were better 
than squirrels. 

"Some time between the 20th and 30th of June a singular 
circumstance occurred one night about eleven o'clock, after a 
heavy fire. The water commenced to run up stream and in 
half an hour rose six feet. One of the river batteries was carried 
away. The roar of the water could be heard like distant 
thunder. It may have been an earthquake. No notice of it 
has appeared in any Yankee paper. The number of the garrison 
that surrendered was between 5,000 and 6,000, of whom there 
were not more than 2,000 effective men for duty. During the 
siege about 200 had been killed and 300 wounded." 



The Story of a Masonic Pin 

Comrade S. T. Sweetser of Company D, Reading, has given a 
personal incident of his campaign. After the surrender of Port 
Hudson he exchanged pins with a brother Mason, a rebel in an 
Arkansas regiment. "When the prisoners were paroled they 
parted as Masons do with a division of pocket money." In 1891, 
while working in Boston, a gentleman called and asked him if 
he had ever lost a pin. He replied that he had not lost one, but 
had exchanged with a rebel prisoner at Port Hudson. The 
gentleman said that at a neighbor's home one evening some one 
was showing a Masonic charm. A lady present said that among 
her husband's relics there was a pin; she went and got it for 
inspection. It was round and on the back was the inscription, 
" S. T. S., Co. D, 50th Mass. Vols." The lady was the widow of a 
surgeon that had charge of a camp of rebel prisoners in St. 
Louis, and had taken it off a dead prisoner's blouse. Comrade 
Sweetser has now both pins in his possession. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 249 

From the New Orleans Era, July 12, 1863 : 

Capture of Port Hudson 

additional particulars — manner of the surrender — the 

news from vicksburg, and its effect upon the rebels 

From a number of naval officers who were at Port Hudson at 
the time of its surrender to Major-General Banks, and who have 
since returned to New Orleans, we have obtained the following 
particulars in regard to the immediate causes that led to its 
capitulation, and the manner in which they were brought about. 
The number and standing of the gentlemen with whom we have 
conversed on the subject are couAdncing that the statement is 
correct. 

On the morning of the 7th instant, as stated in the dispatch of 
our correspondent at Port Hudson, a salute was fired from both 
the upper and lower fleets immediately on the receipt of the 
news from Vicksburg, and the bands of the different regiments 
struck up national and patriotic airs. The wildest enthusiasm 
prevailed among our soldiers all day; and the proximity of the 
contending forces enabled the rebels in Port Hudson to hear the 
cheering without enhghtening them as to the cause. 

At several points on the lines the rebels and our troops were 
so near together that conversations could be held and were 
carried on without danger to either party. 

Towards evening on the 7th the curiosity of the rebels to learn 
what was going on became so great that one of their officers called 
out to a Union officer, asking, "What are you making all the 
noise about? " The answer was, " We have taken Vicksburg." 

The rebel officer said he did not believe it, and on being asked 
what would convince him of its truth, replied, " Nothing but a 
copy of the dispatch, on some rehable authority." 

The Union officer then told him he would procure a copy of 
General Grant's official dispatch and pass it over the parapet to 
him. The rebel said if he would do so and vouch for its genuine- 
ness on his honor as a gentleman and a soldier, he would be 
convinced. 

The Union officer at once procured a copy of the dispatch, 
and taking it to the enemy's breastworks, gave it to the officer 
with whom he had been conversing, and at the same time assured 
him, on the honor of a soldier, that the dispatch was genuine, 



250 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

and that he had copied it with his own hand. The rebel, having 
read it, said he was satisfied of its truthfulness, and that he 
thought it useless for Port Hudson longer to attempt to hold 
out. 

Things remained in the same position as previous to the inter- 
view imtil two o'clock the next morning, when a parley was 
sounded from the rebel works, which was answered; and an 
officer came out with a dispatch from General Gardner asking 
on what terms a surrender would be accepted. 

As soon as the message could be conveyed to General Banks, 
an answer was returned in effect, that only an unconditional 
surrender would be accepted. 

General Gardner accepted the terms and asked a few hours to 
make the necessary arrangements. He was given twenty-four 
hours, but did not take that length of time. At twelve m., on 
the 9th of July, our forces entered Port Hudson and became the 
masters of that stronghold. The rebels were all drawn up in 
hne of battle with arms stacked in front of them, and the hungry 
soldiers of General Gardner were promptly fed from the com- 
missariat of our army. 



Terrible Sickness in the Garrison 
destructive fire of our batteries — large number of 
prisoners, etc. 

We have some additional details in regard to the surrender 
of Port Hudson: 

The surrender was tendered on the 8th and General Banks 
marched in and took possession on the 9th. 

The number of rebel soldiers drawn up in line, when the 
surrender took place, was about 4,000. 

In addition to this number there were about 1,500 sick and 
wounded; the wounded numbered about 500. The wounds are 
generally very severe, in the head, and by the bullets of the 
sharpshooters. 

Our batteries have done a great deal of damage, having de- 
stroyed an immense amount of stores. 

The United States flag was run up at nine o'clock on Thurs- 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 251 

day morning, the 9th inst., and was saluted by the Hartford 
as she passed. 

There had been terrible sickness in the garrison, and almost 
total destitution of medicine. They suffered terribly from this 
cause. 

There was a good supply of ammunition, all of which fell into 
our hands. At the time the Hartford left Port Hudson, Gen- 
eral Banks had not paroled any of the rebel prisoners. 



Account of the Regimental Reunions taken from the 
Records of the Secretary, Corpl. George H. Blinn 

"At a meeting of Company A, 50th Regiment, held at the 
Lafayette House, Salem, Mass., May 27, 1880, the following 
committee was appointed to use its efforts to form a regi- 
mental association and to invite the comrades to an annual 
reunion: George W. Langdell, George H. Bhnn, Gilman A. 
Andrews, Jacob R. Loud, Horace A. Brooks and William H. 
Hall. The committee organized with the choice of George H. 
Blinn chairman and Jacob R. Loud as secretary and treasurer. 
All of the officers of the regiment were notified and requested 
to give their opinion as to the feasibihty of such a project. 
Answers were received from a large number and they were of 
such a character as to warrant the committee in holding the 
first reunion of the regiment. Everything was done by the 
committee to make the reunion a success, and to what degree 
the participants were best able to judge. The comrades as- 
sembled at the Ocean House, Revere Beach, Aug. 24, 1880, 
arriving early, enjoying themselves in greetings, and living 
over the times they had spent together seventeen years before. 
The interval was filled by music by the Salem Brass Band, 
assisted by our old band leader, Henry H. Johnston. At one 
forty-five p.m. 157 comrades sat down to dinner, and at the 
close the chairman called upon Col. C. P. Messer, who spoke 
to the comrades. He was followed by Captain Coburn of 
Company D, Captain Littlefield of Company E, Captain Stevens 
of Company C, Lieutenants Bradstreet and Rundlett, Com- 
pany K; also by Comrades W. L. Coon, Chase and others. 



252 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

Comrade George H. Patch of the 19th Regiment made a stir- 
ring speech in favor of annual reunions, and was of very valu- 
able assistance in forming the association. The committee 
then made a report, showing a financial balance, and reported 
recommending the formation of a regimental association. 
The recommendation and report being accepted, the following 
officers were elected for the ensuing year: for president. Col. 
Carlos P, Messer; for first vice-president, Corpl. Oilman A. 
Andrews of Company A; for second vice-president, William 
L. Coon of Company E; secretary and treasurer, George H. 
Blinn of Company A; executive committee, WilUam W. Tuttle, 
Company A; Lieut. William H. Hurd, Company B; Corpl. 
Wilham H. Hurd, Company C; Sergt. Harley Prentiss, Com- 
pany D; Corpl. WilUam N. Tyler, Company E; Ira O. Sawyer, 
Company F; Walter Goodrich, Company C; Lieut. Henry T. 
Holmes, Company H; Sergt. Patrick Kelley, Company I; 
Sergt. Edward P. Wilder, Company K; Bandmaster Henry 
Johnston. The thanks of the regiment were extended to 
Company A. 

" July 9, 188 L The executive committee was called together 
by Col. C. P. Messer to take into consideration having a brigade 
reunion and reception to Gen. N. A. M. Dudley, and a com- 
mittee of five was appointed to confer with a like committee 
from the 30th Massachusetts and Nims's Battery. The com- 
mittee chosen were William L. Coon of Company E, William 
W. Tuttle of Company H, Ira 0. Sawyer of Company F, Sergt. 
Solomon Nelson of Company K. A number of meetings were 
held in the Sherman House with committees from the 30th 
Massachusetts, Nims's Battery, 3d Cavalry, and with repre- 
sentatives of the 4th Battery. A committee of eight was ap- 
pointed to make all arrangements. It consisted of two each 
from the 30th, the 50th Massachusetts, the 3d Massachusetts 
Cavalry, and Nims's Battery. The brigade reception was 
held in Faneuil Hall, Sept. 5, 1881, and all who participated 
will remember the grand reception given General Dudley, our 
brigade commander, as he entered the hall. After the recep- 
tion the line was formed, and with the Boston Cadet Band we 
took up the line of march to the boat, thence to Downer's 
Landing, where, after having satisfied the inner man, the 
chairman. Col. Jonas French, called the comrades to order, 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 253 

and after a few remarks presented to Gen. A. N. M. Dudley, 
on behalf of his old brigade, an elaborate corps badge. The 
general responded in a very thankful and appreciative manner, 
after which stirring and enthusiastic remarks were made by 
Gen. Nathaniel P. Banks, Governor Long and others. The 
50th Regiment then held its annual meeting and chose officers 
for the ensuing year: for president. Col. Carlos P. Messer; for 
first vice-president, Corpl. Gilman A. Andrews of Company A; 
for second vice-president, Corpl. William L. Coon of Company 
E; secretary and treasurer, Corpl. George H. Blinn of Company 
A; executive committee, William W. Tuttle of Company A, 
Sergt. Benjamin F. Blatchford of Company B, Corpl. William 
H. Hurd of Company C, Sergt. Harley Prentiss of Company 
D, Corpl. William N. Tyler of Company E, Ira A. Sawyer of 
Company F, Walter Goodrich of Company G, Lieut. Henry 
T. Holmes of Company H, James Connor of Company I, Sergt. 
Edward T, Wilder of Company K, Bandmaster Henry Johnston. 

" August 24, 1882. The reunion of the regiment was held at 
Salem, Mass., and there were 129 comrades present. The offi- 
cers elected for the ensuing year were, president, William L. 
Coon of Company E; first vice-president, Sergt. Benjamin F, 
Blatchford of Company B; second vice-president, Corpl. Wil- 
liam H. Hurd of Company C; secretary and treasurer, George 
H. Bhnn of Company A ; executive committee, with the officers, 
George H. Perkms of Company A, James Breen of Company B, 
Myron W. Messer of Company C, Corpl. Samuel T. Sweetser 
of Company D, Corpl. Rufus F. Draper of Company E, Ira O. 
Sawyer of Company F, Walter Goodrich of Company G, Lieut. 
William Daniels of Company H, James Connor of Company I, 
Charles W. Tenney of Company K. At this meeting it was 
voted to extend to the comrades of the 4th Battery an invita- 
tion to join our association. 

"August 24, 1883. The reunion was held in Haverhill. The 
line was formed at the depot, and the march taken to the boat, 
The City of Haverhill, which took the regiment down the river 
to Black Rock, and returning, arrived in Haverhill at three 
thirty p.m. The regiment marched to Hotel Webster, where 
the comrades satisfied the inner man. After dinner speeches 
were made by Col. C. P. Messer, Dr. WiUiam Cogswell, Capt. 
S. W. Duncan, Lieut. William B. Upton, Lieut. J. P. Bradstreet, 



254 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

and Ira O. Sawyer and Comrade Davis of the 5th New Hampshire 
Regiment. Thanks were given to the secretary and also to 
Company F and G and the committee for making the reunion 
such a grand success. At this reunion the name of the asso- 
ciation was changed to the 50th Regiment and 4th Battery, 
and the battery to be allowed one man on the executive com- 
mittee. The following officers and executive committee were 
elected for the ensuing year: president, Lieut. John P. Brad- 
street, Company K ; first vice-president, Capt. George W. Taylor, 
of the 4th Battery; second vice-president, Sergt. John M. Poor, 
Company F; secretary and treasurer, George H. Blinn, Com- 
pany A; executive committee, George H. Perkins of Com- 
pany A, Sergt. Benjamin F. Blatchford of Company B, Lieut. 
Samuel C. Trull of Company C, Henry W. Eames of Company D, 
Corpl. Rufus F. Draper of Company E, Corpl. Henry H. John- 
son of Company F, Walter Goodrich of Company G, Lieut. 
Henry T. Holmes of Company H, James Connor of Company 
I, Charles W. Tenney of Company K, William M. Peabody of 
the 4th Battery. Number present 108 of the 50th Regiment 
and 9 of the 4th Battery. 

" August 29, 1884. Reunion held at Oak Island. We formed 
a line, and our Brigadier-General Dudley was escorted to the 
front. He received a hearty reception and 150 comrades and 
invited guests sat down to dinner, after which speeches were 
made by General Dudley, Colonel Walker of the 4th Massa- 
chusetts Regiment and others, after which the following officers 
were elected : president, Lieut.-Col. John W, Locke ; vice-presi- 
dent, Capt. Cyrus Hobbs of Company H; second vice- 
president, Capt. Darius N. Stevens of Company C; third vice- 
president, Lieut. Joseph B. Briggs, 4th Battery; secretary and 
treasurer, George H. Blinn of Company A; executive committee, 
George H. Perkins of Company A, Sergt. Benjamin F. Blatch- 
ford of Company B, Myron W. Messer of Company C, Sergt. 
Harley Prentiss of Company D, Corpl. Rufus F. Draper of 
Company E, Ira 0. Sawyer of Company F, John H. Taylor of 
Company G, Corpl. William S. Henry of Company H, Lieut. 
J. J. 'Gorman of Company I, Charles W. Tenney of Company 
K, William M. Peabody of the 4th Battery. 

"August 24, 1885. The reunion of the regiment was held at 
the Ocean House, Nantasket Beach. After the dinner the 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 255 

business meeting was held and the following officers were 
elected: president, George H. Perkins of Company A; first vice- 
president, Capt. Darius N. Stevens of Company C; second 
vice-president, Capt. J. Langdon Ward, Company B; third 
vice-president, Lieut. Joseph B. Briggs, 4th Battery; secretary 
and treasurer, Corpl, George H. Blinn, Company A; executive 
committee, George W. Langdell of Company A, Sergt. Benja- 
min F. Blatchford of Company B, Alvin W. Hersey of Company 
C, Sergt. Levi Swain of Company D, W. D. Deadman of Com- 
pany E, A. LeBosquet of Company F, John H. Taylor of Com- 
pany G, Corpl. WiUiam S. Henry of Company H, James Con- 
nor of Company I, Charles W. Tenney of Company K, William 
M. Peabody of the 4th Battery. Comrades and invited guests 
present 140. 

"August 24, 1886. The reunion took the form of an excur- 
sion to Deer Island, Boston Harbor. The regiment had the 
services of the Salem Cadet Band. Colonel Whiting, the su- 
perintendent of Deer Island, extended many courtesies, and 
the children of the institution gave a fine exhibition in the hall. 
After having seen and heard all there was to see and hear, we 
held a drumhead election on the lawn, and the following were 
elected as officers for the year: president, Ira O. Sawyer of 
Company A; first vice-president, Sergt. Harvey Prentiss of 
Company D; secretary and treasurer, George H. BUmi of Com- 
pany A; committee, William H. Campbell of Company A, 
Sergt. Benjamin F. Blatchford of Company B, George Jones of 
Company C, Sergt. Levi Swain of Company D, Corpl. WiUiam 
Tyler of Company E, Albert LeBosquet of Company F, William 
Whittier of Company G, John B. Guelpa of Company H, Lieut. 
J. J. O'Gorman of Company I, Sergt. Edward P. Webster of 
Company K, William M. Peabody of the 4th Battery. After 
the election the regiment went on board the steamer for Boston. 
When they arrived the line of march was taken to the Quincy 
House, where a fine banquet was held, speeches were made and 
the band rendered some fine selections. 

"August 24, 1887. Assembled at the Boston & Maine Depot, 
Haymarket Square, and, with the 1st Regiment Drum Corps, 
marched to Elks Hall, where the meeting was held, and the 
following officers were elected for a year : president, Sergt. 
Benjamin F. Blatchford of Company B; first vice-president, 



256 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

Sergt. Harley Prentiss of Company D; second vice-president, 
William M. Peabody, 4th Battery; secretary and treasurer, 
George H. Blinn of Company A; committee, William H. H. 
Palmer of Company A, Sergt. James Story of Company B, 
Alvin E. Hersey of Company C, Nathan B. Fletcher of Com- 
pany D, William D. Deadman of Company E, John Downs 
of Company F, William Whittier of Company G, Corpl. William 
S. Henry of Company H, Lieut. J. J. O'Gorman of Company 
I, Charles W. Tenney of Company K, Sergt. B. Frank Smith, 
4th Battery. A concert was given by the drum corps, after 
which the line of march was taken to the Quincy House, where 
a banquet was served, closing with speeches from Gen. N. P. 
Banks, Gen. N. A. M. Dudley, Captain Rohan and Mr. Spencer 
of the Boston Herald staff. At eight p.m. the meeting ad- 
journed. Total present, 107. 

"Aug. 24, 1888. The annual reunion was held at Rocky 
Point, Narragansett River, R.I., partaking of a clam-bake and 
excursion to the point. After the dinner a business meeting 
was held, and the following officers elected: president, Capt. 
Samuel F. Littlefield, Company E; first vice-president, Myron 
W. Messer of Company C; second vice-president, William M. 
Peabody, 4th Battery; secretary and treasurer, Corpl. George 
H. Blinn of Company A; committee, Amos Stillman of Company 
A, John L. Woodbury of Company B, Sergt. Francis M. Sweetser 
of Company C, Corpl. Samuel T. Sweetser of Company D, 
Corpl. William D. Deadman of Company E, Frank McLaughlin 
of Company F, Corpl. David R. B. Coffin of Company G, Corpl. 
Edwin F. A. Brackett of Company H, Jeremiah Murphy of 
Company I, Charles W. Tenney of Company K, Sergt. B, 
Frank Smith, 4th Battery. Letters were read from Gen. N. 
P. Banks, Col. Henry Walker of the 4th Massachusetts Regi- 
ment, and Mayor Robinson of Providence. Remarks were 
made by Captains Stevens and Littlefield and a stirring address 
by Captain FitzBabson of the 23d Massachusetts Regiment. 
Comrades, friends and invited guests present numbered 168. 

"Aug, 26, 1889. Annual reunion held at Nantasket Beach 
and Boston. The line was formed at the Boston & Maine 
Depot, Haymarket Square, and headed by the Salem Cadet 
Band marched to Rowe's Wharf, taking the steamer to Nan- 
tasket Beach. On arrival went to the Ocean View House to 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 257 

have a lunch, after which the business meeting was held, and 
the following officers were elected: president, Myron W. Messer 
of Company C; first vice-president, Sergt. B. Frank Smith, 
4th Battery; second vice-president, Corpl. Henry H. Johnson 
of Company F; secretary and treasurer, Corpl. George H. Blinn 
of Company A; committee, Amos Stillman of Company A, 
Sergt. Benjamin F. Blatchford of Company B, Sergt. Francis 
M. Sweetser of Company C, George W. Cook of Company D, 
William L. Coon of Company E, Frank McLaughlin of Company 
F, Corpl. David R. B. Coflfin of Company G, Edward P. Briggs 
of Company H, Jeremiah Murphy of Company I, William P. 
Bailey of Company K, Charles B. Newcomb of the 4th Bat- 
tery, At this meeting a committee was appointed to procure 
a badge for the association. The trip was then taken back to 
Boston, and the regiment marched from Rowe's Wharf to the 
United States Hotel, where a banquet was served, at which 
speeches were made by our old commander, Gen. N. A. M. 
Dudley, and Captain Cunningham and Lieutenant Dickey of 
the 3d Cavalry. Comrades and invited guests present, 131. 

"Aug. 25, 1890. Reunion at Haverhill. Excursion down 
the Merrimac River on the steamer City of Haverhill to Black 
Rock, where the business meeting was held, and the following 
officers elected for the year: president, Sergt. John M. Poor, 
Company F; first vice-president, Amos Stillman, Company A; 
second vice-president, Sergt. John F. Hurley, 4th Battery; 
secretary and treasurer, Corpl. George H. Bhnn of Company 
A; committee, William S. Harris of Company A, Sergt. James 
Story of Company B, Robert K. Brown of Company C, Sergt. 
Levi Swain of Company D, Oliver Walton of Company E, 
Frank McLaughlin of Company F, Corpl. David R. B. Coffin 
of Company G, Edward P. Briggs of Company H, Jeremiah 
Murphy of Company I, William P. Bailey of Company K, 
Charles B. Newcomb of the 4th Battery. A return was made 
to Haverhill, and, headed by the Haverhill Band, the regiment 
marched to Unity Hall, where an elegant supper was served, 
after which President M. W. Messer called the comrades to- 
gether, and stirring speeches were made by Capt. S. W. Duncan 
of Company F, Lieutenant O 'Gorman of Company I, and Com- 
rade W. B. Stevens of Company C, and others. Total number 
present of comrades and invited guests, 207. 



258 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

"April 19, 1891. The comrades assembled at Odd Fellows 
Hall, Boston, for a spring reunion. Fifty-four of the comrades 
assembled and, after enjoying a fine banquet and discussing 
the location of the annual reunion, were entertained with very 
interesting remarks from Comrades William B. Stevens and 
Myron W. Messer, who had visited the places where the regi- 
ment had done service in Louisiana. 

" Aug. 24, 1891 . Reunion at the Ocean View House, Nantasket 
Beach, 142 comrades and invited guests being present. The 
Salem Cadet Band furnished the music for the occasion. Din- 
ner was served, and at the close the business meeting was held, 
and the following officers were chosen for the year: president, 
Henry H. Johnson of Company F; first vice-president, Amos 
Stillman of Company A; second vice-president, Charles Shat- 
tuck, 4th Battery; secretary and treasurer, Corpl. George H. 
Blinn of Company A; committee, William G. Hammond of 
Company A, William H. Grimes of Company B, Myron W. 
Messer of Company C, Corpl. Samuel T. Sweetser of Company 

D, Oliver Walton of Company E, Albert LeBosquet of Company 

F, Corpl. David R. B. Coffin of Company G, Edward P. Briggs 
of Company H, Jeremiah Murphy of Company I, Charles W. 
Tenney of Company K, Sergt. John F. Hurley of 4th Battery. 
After the meeting rousing and patriotic speeches were made 
by Gen. N. A. M. Dudley, Colonel Parsons of the 10th Regi- 
ment, Capt. S. W. Duncan, Ex-President Myron W. Messer and 
others, closing a very pleasant reunion. 

"August 24, 1892. The reunion was held at Lake view Park, 
Lowell. On arrival at Lowell, street cars were taken to the 
park and a sail on the lake brought the regiment to Mountain 
CJrove, where the business meeting was held, when the following 
officers were elected for the ensuing year: president, Amos 
Stillman of Company A; first vice-president, Capt. George W. 
Taylor, 4th Battery; secretary and treasurer, George H. Blinn of 
Company A; committee. Oilman A. Andrews of Company A, 
William H. Grimes of Company B, Myron W. Messer of Company 
C, Clarkson Parker of Company D, Oliver Walton of Company 

E, Ira O. Sawyer of Company F, Walter Goodrich of Company 

G, Edward P. Briggs of Company H, Jeremiah Murphy of 
Company I, Charles W. Tenney of Company K, Lieut. Joseph P. 
Briggs, 4th Battery. At this meeting Capt. D. N. Stevens's 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 259 

death was reported, and Comrade William C. Eustis was made 
historian of the regiment. Dinner having been served, the 
comrades enjoyed the remarks made by the president, H. H. 
Johnson, and became very enthusiastic over the speeches of 
Gen. N. A. M. Dudley, Col. C. P. Messer, Capt. George W. Taylor 
of the 4th Battery, Comrade Perkins of the Grand Army Record, 
Comrades LeBosquet, M. W. Messer, W. C. Eustis, B, H. Sawyer 
of the medical staff, and the newly elected president, Amos 
Stilhnan. Number present, 144. 

"August 24, 1893. Reunion at Gloucester and Rockport. 
On arrival at Gloucester the regiment was met by the Gloucester 
City Band and escorted to the armory of Company G, 8th Regi- 
ment. Here the comrades were called to order by the president, 
Amos Stillman, and the following officers were elected for the 
year: president, Jeremiah Murphy of Company I ; first vice- 
president, Oliver Walton of Company E; second vice-president, 
Lieut. Joseph B. Briggs, 4th Battery; secretary and treasurer, 
George H. Blinn, Company A; committee, Gilman A. Andrews of 
Company A, James Breen of Company B, Charles A. Wentworth 
of Company C, Sergeant Levi Swain of Company D, Reuben L. 
Cooper of Company E, John Downs of Company F, W. F. Pink- 
ham of Company G, Edward P. Briggs of Company H, James D. 
Dunn of Company I, Charles W. Tenney of Company K, WiUiam 
M. Peabody of the 4th Battery. At 12.05 p.m. the train was 
taken to Rockport and on the arrival there the line was formed 
and the regiment marched to the Square, taking barges to Turk's 
Head Inn, where a feast was had, after which the comrades were 
called to order and hstened to the speeches of Colonel Messer, 
Mayor Andrews of Gloucester, Rev. W. H. Ryder, Ex-Mayor 
Robinson of Gloucester, Ex-President H. H. Johnson and 
President Jeremiah Murphy. The historian made a report of 
progress. Sixty-five comrades were present, the weather being 
very stormy. 

" At the reunion Aug. 24, 1893, the following letters were 
received : 

Young's Hotel, Boston, Aug. 23, 1893. 

George H. Blinn, Esq., 

Secretary 50th Regiment and 4:th Battery Association. 
Your invitation to be with you I did not get until an hour 

since and I hasten to acknowledge the receipt of it. I have 



260 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

an engagement, but may be able to get off and come down. 
I always enjoy my visits to the old comrades most hugely. 
I realize that it will not be my lot to be with you on many 
more of these delightful occasions. I turned my sixty- 
eighth only two days since. Present my best wishes for the 
health and prosperity of one and all of both associations. 
God bless you. 

In haste, 

DUDLEY, your old commander. 

Letter of Capt. George W. Taylor, 4th Battery : 

Lancaster House, Lancaster, N.H., 
August 21, 1893. 
Brother Blinn. 

Friend and Comrade : I am sorry that I cannot be with 
you on Thursday next. I had made an engagement which I 
cannot break, and it is not possible for me to be in two places 
at once. I write you to give you this information. I wanted 
to be at the reunion this year more than ever before, but 
have been euchred out of it. Please make all the excuse 
for me you see fit, and I will remember you for it, I enclose 
a few hnes to the boys. Give it to them if you think suitable 
for the occasion. 

Yours fraternally, 

GEORGE W. TAYLOR. 

Lancaster, N.H., 
Aug. 21, 1893. 
Mr. President and Comrades of the 50th Regiment and the 
4th Light Battery: I am sorry to have to announce that I 
cannot be with you at our annual reunion at Rockport this 
year, owing to a previous engagement which it would be 
neither wise nor polite for me to break. I cannot give up 
the very agreeable pleasure of meeting with my old-time 
friends on that occasion. Comrades, one more year has 
passed since we met and pressed each other by the hand. It 
has brought its many changes, its joys as well as its sorrows. 
While we still find ourselves in the land of the living, some 
of those who met with us last year have passed on to their 
final home within the vale; others have wandered to other 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 261 

scenes and other lands. We wish them a pleasant journey, 
wherever they may be. 

It is ours to-day to meet and talk over the old war 
days, and to take note of the flight of time, and the many 
gaps made in the once full ranks of men who stood with 
us before our country's common enemy. Alas, more than 
half of the men who left old Massachusetts with us are now 
within their graves; more than half the men who marched 
with us have been called home. Tread lightly where they 
sleep, and let the silent tear fall upon the green sod that 
covers our heroes' graves. They peacefully sleep after 
the long, weary days of toil, and the noise and din of battle 
has passed. Tireless marches, sleepless nights, with no 
covering except God's own canopy; sickness, wounds 
and death are all overcome, and the reward is earned, the 
great debt is paid. Let us renew here to-day the promise 
to stand one by the other, to help and aid each other, ever 
keeping in view the great principles for which we fought, 
and for which so many of our comrades laid down their 
lives. Let us see to it that the fruits of the victory which 
we won after four long years are not taken from us or our 
children, and as we shall meet from year to year may 
harmony and good feeling be the prevailing sentiment of 
all our deliberations. Soldiers of the 50th Regiment and 
4th Light Battery, you were all weighed in the balance and 
not found wanting. In all the armies of the United States 
no braver or better men could be found. You did all that 
was required of you and you did it well. You did your 
share in opening the Mississippi River from its mouth to 
Vicksburg and thereby sundered the seceded states, and 
this gave the death blow to all the bright hopes of the 
rebel Confederacy, and assured the final triumph of the 
Union. Well may you be proud of your record and the 
honorable share you took in the battles fought for freedom. 
Yours as ever, 

GEORGE W. TAYLOR. 

" Aug. 24, 1894. Reunion at the United States Hotel, Boston. 
The business meeting was held and the following officers elected 
for the year: president. Col. Carlos P. Messer; first vice-presi- 



262 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

dent, Henry D. Degen of the 50th; second vice-president, Wil- 
ham M. Peabody, 4th Battery; secretary and treasurer, George 
H. Bhnn, Company A; committee, William G. Hammond, 
Company A ; Solomon Choate, Company B ; Myron W. Messer, 
Company C ; George W. Cook, Company D; Sergt. George K. 
Gilman, Company E ; Jackson Hayes, Company F ; Walter 
Goodrich, Company G ; Augustus Durgin, Company H ; John 
Dee, Company I; Charles W. Tenney, Company K ; Charles B. 
Newcomb, 4th Battery. 

"The historian, W. C. Eustis, having died during the year, 
the Historical Committee, with the approval of the association, 
selected William B. Stevens of Company C as historian. Nvun- 
ber present, 79 members. Banquet served at the close of the 
meeting. Music by the Verdi Quartette. 

"Aug. 24, 1895. Reunion at the Ocean View House, Nan- 
tasket Beach. At this reunion many of the comrades took 
their wives or some member of their families. After the sail 
down Boston Harbor the regiment went to the Ocean View 
House and had its dinner, after which a business meeting was 
held, and the following officers were elected: president, Henry 
D. Degen, Quartermaster; first vice-president, George W. Cook, 
Company D; second vice-president, Charles W. Newcomb, 4th 
Battery; secretary and treasurer, George H. Blinn, Company 
A; committee, William G. Hammond, Company A; Robert 
Butterworth, Company B; Corpl. Wilham H. Hurd, Company 
C; Sergt. Levi Swain, Company D; Oliver Walton, Company E; 
Ira O. Sawyer, Company F; Walter Goodrich, Company G; 
Corpl. William S. Henry, Company H; Jeremiah Murphy, Com- 
pany I; Corpl. Nathaniel D. Pierce, Company K; Alonzo O. 
Ramsdell, 4th Battery. Comrade Myron W. Messer made a 
report of progress on the history. There were present 61 
comrades and 43 members of comrades' families. 

"Sept. 3, 1896. Reunion was held at the Pentucket Club, 
Haverhill, where a lunch was served and the business meeting 
held, and the following officers were elected for the year: pres- 
ident, Ira O. Sawyer of Company F; first vice-president, John 
F. Watson, Company H; second vice-president, A. O. Rams- 
dell, 4th Battery; secretary and treasurer, George H. Blinn, 
Company A; committee, Wilham G. Hammond, Company A; 
Wilham G. Grimes, Company B; Myron W. Messer, Company 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 263 

C; George W. Cook, Company D; Capt. S. F. Littlefield, Com- 
pany E; Philip C. Swett, Company F; Walter Goodrich, Com- 
pany G; Corpl. William S. Henry, Company H; Jeremiah 
Murphy, Company I; Corpl. Nathaniel D. Pierce, Co. K; Henry 
M. Clark, 4th Battery. Electric cars were taken to the Pines, 
where dinner was served. Number present at the dinner, 116. 

"Sept. 2, 1897. The reunion was held at Salem, the busi- 
ness meeting being held in the hall of Post 34, G.A.R., and the 
following officers were elected for the year: president, A. O. 
Ramsdell of the 4th Battery; first vice-president, Walter Good- 
rich, Company G; second vice-president, Oliver Walton, Com- 
pany E; secretary and treasurer, George H. Blinn, Company 
A; committee, Horace A. Brooks, Company A; John L. Wood- 
bury, Company B; George Jones, Company C; Sergt. Levi 
Swain, Company D; William L. Coon, Company E; Frank 
McLaughlin, Company F; Hiram H. Farnham, Company G; 
Corpl. William S. Henry, Company H; Jeremiah Murphy, 
Company I; Charles W. Tenney, Company K; Sergt. B. Frank 
Smith, 4th Battery, 

"Electric cars were taken to the Willows and thence to the 
Ocean View House, where dinner was served, at the close of which 
speeches were made by Gen. N. A. M. Dudley, Senator J. D. H. 
Gauss, E. O. Foster of the Boston Globe, and Joseph F. Pitman, 
Commander of Post 34, G.A.R. Then the historian, William B. 
Stevens, gave a short synopsis of the history and account of 
his travels. Number present, including invited guests, 58. 

"Sept. 1, 1898. Reunion held at Lakeview Park, Lowell. 
The business meeting was held, and the following officers elected 
for the year: president, OUver Walton, Company E; first vice- 
president, Frank McLaughhn, Company F ; second vice-president, 
Sergt. John F. Hurley, 4th Battery; secretary and treasurer, 
George H. Blinn, Company A; committee, George H. Perkins, 
Company A; J. Warren Chadwick, Company B; James W. 
Hurd, Company C; Otis Harnden, Company D; Wilham L. Coon, 
Company E; James Ryan, Company F; Sergt. Royal D. Gould, 
Company G; Corpl. William S. Henry, Company H; Jeremiah 
Murphy, Company I; Charles S. Parker, Company K; Henry M. 
Clark, 4th Battery. At this reunion the date of the reunions was 
changed to the last Thursday in August. Number present, 45. 

"Aug. 31, 1899. The reunion was held at Haverhill, the 



264 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

business meeting being held in the rooms of Major Howe Post 
47, G.A.R., and the following officers were elected for the year: 
president, Ira O. Sawyer of Company F; first vice-president, 
Corpl. D. R. B. Coffin of Company G; second vice-president, 
Lieut. Edward T, Jameson, 4th Battery; secretary and treas- 
urer, George H. Blinn, Company A; committee, Corpl. Gilman 
A. Andrews, Company A; Lieut. William H. Hurd, Company 
B; Corpl. William H. Hurd, Company C; Sergt. Levi Swain, 
Company D; Benjamin T. Browii, Company E; John Fitz- 
patrick, Company F; Ezra Hoyt, Company G; George K. 
Proctor, Company H; Jeremiah Murphy, Company I; Charles 
S. Parker, Company K; Sergt. John F. Hurley, 4th Battery. 
After the business meeting the association adjourned to the Pines, 
taking the electrics and, after the dinner, took the steamer for 
a sail down the Merrimac River. Total number present, 84. 

"Aug. 30, 1900. Reunion held in Salem, assembling at the 
hall of Post 34, G.A.R., where the business meeting was held, 
and the following elected as officers for the year: president, 
Frank McLaughhn of Company F; first vice-president, John P. 
AUen, 4th Battery; second vice-president, Sergt. Henry T. 
Holmes, Company H ; secretary and treasurer, Cieorge H. Blinn, 
Company A; committee, Corpl. Gilman A. Andrews, Company 
A; Lieut. William H. Hurd, Company B; James W. Hurd, 
Company C; Henry L. Bancroft, Company D; Oliver Walton, 
Company E; Sergt. John M. Poor, Company F; Walter Good- 
rich, Company G; George K. Proctor, Company H; Jeremiah 
Murphy, Company I; Corpl. John G. Scates, Company K; 
Henry Davidson, 4th Battery. After the meeting adjourned 
the comrades went by electrics to Salem Willows, part taking 
a trip on the steamer for a sail in the harbor and part taking in 
the show at the theater. Number present, 38. 

"Aug. 29, 190L Reunion at the United States Hotel, Bos- 
ton. A banquet and business meeting was held, and the fol- 
lowing officers elected: president, Walter Goodrich, Company 
G; first vice-president, Oliver Walton, Company E; second vice- 
president, Sergt. Charles B. Newcomb, 4th Battery; secretary 
and treasurer, George H. Blinn, Company A; committee, James 
E. Trask, Company A; John L. Woodbury, Company B; Rob- 
ert Bower, Company C; Corpl. William Buck, Company D; 
William D. Deadman, Company E; Ira O. Sawyer, Company 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 265 

F; John H. Taylor, Company G; Corpl. William S. Henry, 
Company H ; Jeremiah Murphy, Company I ; Charles S. Parker, 
Company K; John E. Huntress, 4th Battery. The dinner par- 
taken of at the hotel, the elevated cars were taken to the Na- 
hant boat for an excursion to Bass Point. This was intended 
to have been a banquet and reunion comphmentary to Gen. 
N. A. M. Dudley, but he being confined to his bed by sickness, 
the association sent its regrets and sympathies, hoping for a 
speedy recovery. Present, 75. 

"Aug. 28, 1902. Reunion held in Haverhill at the Major 
Howe Post 47, G.A.R. Hall and at the Pines. The business 
meeting was held in the G.A.R. Hall, and the following officers 
elected for the year: president, Sergt. John F. Hurley, 4th Bat- 
tery; first vice-president, Sergt. Benjamin T. Blatchford, Com- 
pany B; second \dce-president, B. Addison Sawj'er, hospital 
steward of the 50th; secretary and treasurer, George H. Blinn, 
Company A; committee, George O. Stevens, Company A; John 
L. Woodbury, Company B; Robert Bower, Company C; Sergt. 
Levi Swain, Company D; Reuben S. Cooper, Company E; 
James Ryan, Company F; John H. Taylor, Company G; Corpl. 
WiUiam S. Henry, Company H; Jeremiah Murphy, Company 
I; Daniel W. Hall, Company K; James P. Hennessey, 4th 
Battery. At the close of the meeting electrics were taken for 
the Pines, where dinner was served, 57 being present. 

"Aug. 27, 1903. The annual reunion and dinner was held at 
Canobie Lake Park, Salem, N.H. The business meeting was 
held in the grove and resulted in the election of the following 
officers for the year: president, Benjamin H. Sawyer, non-com- 
missioned staff, 50th; first vice-president, Sergt. Benjamin F. 
Blatchford, Company B; second \ace-president, Sergt. Levi 
Swain, Company D; secretary and treasurer, George H. Blinn, 
Company A; committee, Corpl. Gilman A. Andrews, Company 
A; James W. Chadwick, Company B; Robert Bower, Company 
C; Clarkson Parker, Company D; Oliver Walton, Company E; 
Albert LeBosquet, Company F; William R. Clough, Company G; 
Edward P. Briggs, Company H; Jeremiah Murphy, Company 
I; William P. Bailey, Company K; Charles B. Newcomb, 4th 
Battery. At the dinner 70 comrades and 19 ladies sat down. 

"Aug. 18, 1904. Reunion and dinner at the Nantasket Point 
Hotel. This reunion was called earlier on account of its being 



266 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

the annual convention of the G.A.R. The meeting was called 
to order by the vice-president, Levi Swain of Company D, 
and the following were elected as officers for the year : president, 
Henry D. Degen, Quartermaster of the 50th ; first vice-president, 
Oliver Walton, Company E; second vice-president, Sergt. Charles 
B. Newcomb, 4th Battery; secretary and treasurer, George H. 
Blinn, Company A; committee, James N. Skinner, Company 
A; James M. Breen, Company B; Alvin E. Hersey, Company C; 
Clarkson Parker, Company D; Sergt. Charles F. Hartshorn, 
Company E; John Downes, Company F; Walter Goodrich, 
Company G; Corpl. William S. Henry, Company H; Jeremiah 
Murphy, Company I; Charles S. Parker, Company K; James 
P. Hennessey, 4th Battery. There were 53 present, among 
them being Lieut. William B. Upton from Denver, Colo., and 
Edward Parker of Company D, from Longmont, Colo. 

"Aug. 31, 1905. Reunion and dinner held at Nantasket 
Point Hotel. The business meeting was called to order by the 
president, Quartermaster Henry D. Degen, and the following 
officers elected for the year: president, Gilman A. Andrews of 
Company A; first vice-president, James M. Breen of Company 
B; second vice-president, Sergt. Charles B. Newcomb, 4th Bat- 
tery; secretary and treasurer, George H. Bhnn, Company A; 
committee, Amos Stillman, Company A; Thaddeus Giles, Com- 
pany B; Alvin E. Hersey, Company C; Sergt. Levi Swain, 
Company D; Oliver Walton, Company E; James Howe, Com- 
pany F ; Oliver S. Hubbard, Company G ; Corpl. William S. Henry, 
Company H; Jeremiah Murphy, Company I; Charles S. Parker, 
Company K ; John E. Huntress, 4th Battery. Dinner was served, 
there being 42 present. 

"Aug. 31, 1906. The reunion was held at Salem in the hall 
of Phil H. Sheridan Post 34, G.A.R. The 50th Regiment held 
a meeting in regard to the history. The secretary read a letter 
from the historian that the history was about completed, lack- 
ing the cuts and sketches of the service of the officers. The 
recommendations of the historian. Judge William B. Stevens, in 
his letter were accepted, and it was voted to give him full 
powers, the secretary being chosen to assist him. The meeting 
adjourned for dinner, which was furnished by the W.R.C. of 
Post 34, G.A.R., Comrade Rev. Mr. Blackburn offering prayer. 
At the close the business meeting was held, and the following 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 267 

ofl&cers chosen by unanimous vote. They were as follows: 
president, Oilman A. Andrews, Company A ; first vice-president, 
James M, Breen, Company B; second vice-president, Sergt. 
Charles B. Newcomb, 4th Battery; secretary and treasurer, 
George H. Blinn, Company A; committee, Amos Stillman, 
Company A ; Alvin E. Hersey, Company C ; Sergt. Levi Swain, 
Company D; OUver Walton, Company E; James Howe, Com- 
pany F; Oliver S. Hubbard, Company O; Corpl. William S. 
Henry, Company H; Jeremiah Murphy, Company I; Charles S. 
Parker, Company K; John E. Huntress, 4th Battery. The 
meeting then resolved itself into a camp-fire. Letters were 
read from Oen. N. A. M. Dudley, Judge and Comrade William 
B. Stevens, historian, Assistant Surgeon Dr. W. S. Hancock 
of Barre, Mass., Lieut. T. H. Manning of Orleans, Neb., D. 
A. Stevens of York, Me., W. W. Tucker of Little Rock, Ark., and 
a cablegram from W. R. Clough, Lucerne, Switzerland. After 
the letters had been read, remarks were made by the president, 
Oilman A. Andrews, on the service of the regiment. Speeches 
were made by Comrades Blackburn, Perkins, Commander of 
Post 74, G.A.R,, Lieutenant Jameson, Sergt. John F. Hurley 
and others, interspersed with recitations from Comrade C. H. 
Faye and one of the old-time songs by Comrade Cole of Com- 
pany H. Number present, including invited guests, 70." 



Company A 



Company A, one of the oldest militia organizations in the 
state, was organized and chartered May 1, 1805. June 8, 1804, 
the following notice appeared in the Salem Gazette: 

"Attention — The subscribers to the proposed Salem Light 
Infantry are requested to meet at Mr. Crombie's tavern on 
Monday evening next at eight o'clock. A general and punctual 
attendance is requested, as business of importance is to be 
transacted." 

March 5, 1805, this notice appeared: 

"Notice — The members of the Salem Light Infantry Com- 
pany are requested to meet at 'The Sign of the Ship' this 
evening at half past six o'clock. A punctual and general at- 
tendance is expected. 

By Order of the Committee." 



268 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

The first printed notification: 

" Attention — You are hereby notified that a meeting of the 
members of the Salem Light Infantry will be held at Crombie's 
Hall this evening at half past seven o'clock for the choice of a 
captain to said company. Your pimctual attendance is hereby 
requested. 

By order of the committee, 

JAMES KING, Jr., Secretary." 

Salem, April 8, 1805. At that time their rules provided for 
the following officers: one captain, one lieutenant, one ensign, 
four corporals, four sergeants, and not more than sixty-four 
privates exclusive of two drummers and two fifers. The uni- 
form prescribed was a short blue coat, white kerseymere waist- 
coat and pantaloons, the coat faced with superfine scarlet 
broadcloth, with small flat double gilt buttons, and button- 
holes ornamented with gold vellum; blue straps on the shoul- 
ders edged with red, the skirts faced with scarlet kerseymere 
to the pockets, to slant with the fold of the coat, the skirt 
and welts edged with red, four buttons on each welt; the cuffs 
scarlet, with four large gilt buttons; the vest smgle-breasted, 
edged with scarlet, and small gilt buttons ; the pantaloons 
edged and seamed with scarlet; the gaiters of black broadcloth, 
with buttons covered with the same, and edged with scarlet. 
Square-toed shoes, white cotton cambric handkerchiefs, over 
which a black silk made stock, tied behind so as to cover three- 
fourths of the handkerchief, leaving the upper part bare, plain 
shirt with plaited bosom made full. Grecian cap with brass 
crest, and red hair falhng down on the right side, cap bound 
with scarlet and a scarlet bandeau to go around the cap, orna- 
mented with gold cord, a black cockade, yellow eagle, yellow 
button, and gold cord loop. In the front of the cap the letters 
in cipher, S. L. I. The belts for the cartridge box and bayonet 
of wliite leather. The cartridge boxes highly pohshed and 
brass star in the center. The canteens blue, edged with red, 
the initials of the company on one side and the initials of the 
soldier's name on the other. The knapsacks of sealskin with 
red straps and bound with red leather. Sergeants wear gold 
laced knots on shoulder and a hanger. Commissioned officers 
wear gold epaulets, boots, side arms and sash. Each member 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 269 

owned his musket. The standard of white silk with the name of 
the State on one side and the name of the United States on the 
other. In the early part of their history their record was of the 
best. Many and honored citizens have been members of the corps. 

April 9, 1861, the Salem Light Infantry (Zouaves) held an 
exhibition drill in Mechanics Hall. Governor Andrew and his 
staff were present. He alluded to the excited condition of the 
country, and expressed the belief that the company would be 
ready to respond to any call. War was already in the air, and 
the proclamation of President Lincoln, issued April 15, 1861, 
made a profound impression, and found the corps ready. On 
the morning of the 18th, mustering 71 men, they took the train 
for Boston and joined the 8th Regiment, serving with credit 
for three months. Major John Hodges, Captains Ward and 
Putnam and Lieutenants Reeves and Upton of the 50th were 
among the number. 

Oct. 22, 1861, the Salem Light Infantry, as an organization, 
formed a company under Capt. Charles U. Devereux and 
joined the 19th Massachusetts Regiment. The May inspection 
was held, after which Colonel Dike resigned and Col. Carlos P. 
Messer was elected colonel of the 7th Regiment, M.V.M. An 
elementary drill was held at South Reading, now Wakefield, 
the company marching there. Here the services of the regi 
ment were tendered to the government for nine months' service, 
and Governor Andrew accepted the offer and directed that the 
regimental number be changed to the 50th, the Salem Light 
Infantry retaining their old company letter A. 



Company C 



Company C, of the 50th Regiment, formerly known as the 
Stoneham Light Infantry, was organized in Stoneham in 1851. 
The first commissioned officers of the company were Lyman 
Dike, captain; David K. Ward well, first lieutenant; Alfred J. 
Rhoades, second lieutenant; Osborn Richardson, third lieu- 
tenant; and Allen Rowe, Jr., fourth Ueutenant. Captain Dike 
was afterwards colonel of the 7th Regiment. The uniform 
adopted by the company was a green coat, black pants with 
white stripes and a Hungarian cap. During the following ten 



270 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

years the company reached a high state of efficiency and was 
ready to respond to the first proclamation issued by President 
Lincohi calling for 75,000 volunteers. On Tuesday, April 16, 
Capt. John H. Dike went to Boston, presented himself at the 
State House, and begged the privilege of calUng out his company 
in obedience to the President's call. On his return home the 
men were notified to meet in the armory in the East School- 
house, where they assembled at eight p.m., and unanimously 
voted they were ready to start at a moment's notice. The 
night was darli and stormy, and Wednesday morning broke with 
a cold and hazy atmosphere, but the town was alive with ex- 
citement. Men were hurrying to and fro and preparations 
being made for immediate departure. A messenger had been 
dispatched from the Governor, who reached Captain Dike at 
half past two in the morning, notifying him to muster his men 
and to report in Boston forthwith. These men were again 
summoned to meet in the armory at six a.m. New names were 
added to the roll and the members dismissed to make the last 
arrangement and bid their final adieus. Those who witnessed 
the company's departure on that morning of the 17th of April 
can never forget it. The company met at the Town Hall, where 
prayers were offered, and a little before ten, in military array, 
they reached Central Square. 

The people had assembled in a great multitude wild with 
patriotic enthusiasm. It was an occasion such as Stoneham 
had never witnessed. The company departed from the square 
amid the ringing of bells, waving of handkerchiefs and great 
cheering. After reaching Boston they marched to the State 
House, where they received overcoats and other articles. A. V. 
Lynde, Esq., presented to each one of the commissioned officers 
a revolver. The company was assigned to the 6th Regiment, 
commanded by Col. Edward F. Jones, and the same after- 
noon was en route for Washington. The commissioned officers 
of the company were: captain, John H. Dike; first lieutenant, 
Leander F. Lynde ; second lieutenant, Darius N. Stevens ; third 
lieutenant, James F. Rowe; and fourth lieutenant, W. B. Blais- 
dell. In addition to the officers there was one musician and a 
full complement of sixty men. The regiment in passing through 
the streets of Baltimore was attacked by a rebel mob and was 
the first armed force to reach Washington. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 271 

Company E 

Company E, of the 50th Regiment, was originally the Richard- 
son Light Guard of South Reading, attached to the 7th Regi- 
ment, and organized in 1851. The original officers were: 
captain, John Wiley, 2d; first heutenant, Nathaniel S. Dearborn; 
second lieutenant, John S. Eaton; third lieutenant, Benjamin 
F. Barnard; fourth heutenant, Samuel Kingman. Jan. 18, 
1861, there was a special meeting of the company called for the 
purpose of responding to orders from the commander-in-chief 
to ascertain how many men were ready to respond to the call 
for action. Twenty-three men were present, and all announced 
themselves ready to march to the field of battle. On January 
19 thirty-five men signified their willingness to respond to the 
call. In April, 1861, the Richardson Light Guard became Com- 
pany B of the 5th Regiment (Col. Samuel C. Lawrence). 
The oflBcers were: captain, John W. Locke; first lieutenant, 
Charles H. Shepard; second lieutenant, James D. Draper. 

*'At half past twelve o'clock p.m. on April 19, 1861, Captain 
Locke received orders from Colonel Lawrence to report at 
Boston for service at the front. Bells were rung and guns fired, 
and in prompt response the numbers began to assemble. At 
2.30 o'clock, only two hours later, the company, numbering 
eighty-seven men, rank and file, marched from the armory to 
the common under command of Capt. John W. Locke. Here 
an appetizing collation was served, having been quickly prepared 
by citizens of the town. The company, escorted by a great 
gathering of townspeople, marched to the depot, where patriotic 
speeches were made and good byes said. The speakers were 
Edward Mansfield, Hon. Liley Eaton, P. C. Wheeler, Rev. E. A. 
Eaton and others. At about four o'clock the soldier boys 
boarded the train en route for Boston. On arrival in the city 
the company marched to Faneuil Hall, escorted by the Maiden 
band and a delegation of townspeople who had made the 
journey to Boston. On the next day the regiment left Boston 
for the front, and subsequently participated in the first battle 
of Bull Run." 



272 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

Journal of Company A, 50th 

Sept. 15, 1862. Camp Stanton, Col. E. F. Jones, commanding, 

Boxford, Mass. Company in camp. 
September 17. Company A drew their clothing. 
September 18 to October 14. Doing regular camp duty. 
October 14. The 10th Massachusetts Light Battery, Captain 

Sleeper, broke camp for the seat of war. 
October 14 to November 19. Doing regular camp duty. 
November 19. Left Boxford for the South, via Worcester & 

Norwich route to New York. 
November 20. Arrived in New York. Marched to Park Bar- 
racks; from there to a building in Frankhn Street, where 

we quartered. 
November 21 . At the Franklin Street Barracks. 
November 22. Left Franklin Street Barracks and marched to 

Union Race Course, Centreville, L.L, where we went into 

camp in tents. 
November 22 to 29. In camp at the Union Race Course. 
November 29. Left the Union Race Course for New York, 

marching through Jamaica, East New York, Brooklyn, 

Fulton Ferry to Park Barracks, where we were quartered 

until December 10. 
December 10. Left Park Barracks, marched to the pier, and 

embarked on the steamer Jersey Blue. There are three 

companies of the 50th on board: Companies A, Capt. 

George D. Putnam ; E, Capt. S. F. Littlefield ; and K, Capt. 

J. G. Barnes. All aboard, left the pier and anchored off 

the Battery. 
December 11. Put into the pier to get another stove; while 

there Commodore Vanderbilt visited us. Two thirty p.m., 

started from New York. Three p.m., passed Fort Lafayette. 

Five P.M., passed Sandy Hook and an ocean steamer bound 

in. It was a fine afternoon. 
December 12. Under sealed orders, eight fifteen a.m., passed 

light-ship; all are well. 
December 13. Eleven thirty a.m., passed a large American 

steamer ashore. It was the Oriental, wrecked in a fog. 

She was carrying government supphes to Port Royal. 

Four thirty p.m., passed Hatteras Light, the sun setting 

clear. One of the men from Company K bad a remarkable 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 21 Z 

growth of whiskers in one night. They were of a tarry 

substance. 
December 14. Passed three blockaders. 
December 15. Overhauled by the gunboat Marhlehead. Ten 

thirty p.m., anchored off Port Royal, about fifteen miles, 

to await daylight to run in. 
December 16. Daylight, weighed anchor, and started for the 

harbor of Port Royal. Seven a.m., South Carolina coast 

in sight. Nine a.m., entrance to Port Royal Harbor. 

Eleven thirty a.m., anchored in the harbor. This is a low 

sandy place, with a great many government storehouses 

and buildings ; there is a large fort on the left as you enter. 

The frigate Vermont and the Commodore Vanderbilt are at 

anchor in the harbor. 
December 17. Our transport has been condemned, and we 

have landed at Hilton Head and pitched our camp. 
December 18. Visited Fort Wells, formerly Fort Beauregard. 

It is a strong earthwork, mounting twenty-seven guns. 
December 19. Inspection. 
December 20. Orders of the day: 6.30 a.m., roll call; 7 a.m., 

surgeon's call; 7.30 a.m., breakfast call; 9 a.m., drill; 

12 m., dinner; 2.30 p.m., drill; 4.30 p.m., dress parade; 

8.30 P.M., tattoo; 8.45 p.m., taps. 
December 21. Camp duty. 

December 22. 2d Duryea's Zouaves and ten New York regi- 
ments, a part of General Banks's expedition, landed here. 
December 23. Heavy firing heard north of us. 
December 24. Camj) duty. Four companies of our regiment 

are in Philadelphia, two at New York, one in the Gulf of 

Mexico and three at Hilton Head. 
December 25. Christmas, we are having a holiday. 
December 26. Camp duty. 
December 27. Camp duty. 

December 28. Camp duty. Great baptism, eighty contra- 
bands baptized. 
December 29. Camp duty. 
December 30. Camp duty. 
December 31. Ten a.m., mustered for pay. Four thirty p.m., 

on board of the barque Guerilla, bound for the Mississippi 

River. 



274 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

Jan. 1, 1863. Nine twenty a.m., started for the gulf. Eleven 
A.M., steam tug Locust Point has just left us. 

January 2 to January 8. Nothing of importance. 

January 8. The gunboat Octarora chased a steamer, and after 
firing two shots brought her to. 

January 9. Came to anchor on Bahama Banks in fifteen feet 
of water. 

January 10. Sergeant Green of Company E died at two a.m., 
and at ten a.m. was buried in the Gulf of Mexico. 

January 11. Six p.m., passing Dry Tortugas. 

January 12. Examined one of the detachment who complained 
of being sick. He had on two shirts, two pairs of drawers, 
one pair of pants, one pair of overalls, one vest, one dress 
coat, one blouse and one overcoat. This was the twelfth 
day from Port Royal. 

January 13. Nothing important. 

January 14. Cast anchor in Ship Island at ten p.m. 

January 15. Nine a.m., at anchor. Ship Island is a low, sandy 
island with a lighthouse and a few government storehouses 
upon it. A number of war vessels lay off the island. 

January 16. Weighed anchor, and set sail for the mouth of 
the Mississippi River, one thirty p.m. 

January 17. Ten thirty a.m., pilot has come on board and 
taken charge and we are going through Pass L'Outre, and 
at six P.M. came to anchor to wait for a tugboat. 

January 18. Eleven a.m., tug Anglo-American took us in tow 
for New Orleans. 3.30 p.m., passing Forts Jackson and St. 
Philip. The one mounts 75 and the latter 40 guns. 5 
P.M., passed Quarantine. 5.30 p.m., passed the Union gun- 
boat Verona sunk by the Confederates. 6 p.m., passed a 
sunken rebel gunboat. 

January 19. Passed Senator Morgan's (Union) and Senator 
Benjamin's (Confederate) plantations. Two p.m., arrived 
at Pier U 49, New Orleans. 

January 20. Left New Orleans at 12 m. for CarroUton. 1.30 
P.M., arrived at CarroUton. 3 p.m., left the transport and 
arrived at Camp Parapet at 5 p.m., and pitched our camp. 
This camp is under Gen. Neal Dow, and is several feet 
below the level of the river, protected by levees. 

January 21. Arranging camp and getting ready for work. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 275 

January 22. Camp duty. Forty rounds of cartridges issued. 
Six hundred contrabands came down the river. 

January 23. 162d New York arrived. 

January 24 to January 28. Regular routine of camp duty. 

January 28. 15th New Hampshire arrived. 

January 29. Camp duty. 

January 30. Arrival of steamer Iberville with six hundred more 
contrabands. Talk about your minstrel shows, they are 
not in it with this crowd. They brought their baggage 
and I guess they are going to stop with us. 

January 31. Orders of the camp: reveille at sunrise; dress 
parade, 9.30 a.m.; drill, 10.30 a.m.; dinner at 12 m.; drill, 
3.30 P.M.; retreat at sunset; tattoo, 8 p.m.; taps, 8.30 p.m. 

February I. Camp duty. Capt. J. L. Ward of Company B 
is here, and three companies of the 50th Regiment are at 
quarantine. 

February 2. Review by Gen. Neal Dow. 

February 3. Paymaster arrived. Pays us off. 6th Michigan 
arrived. 48th passed up the river. 

February 4. Left camp and went aboard steamer ContinentcU 
to go up the river to Baton Rouge. 

February 5. On steamer Continental going up the river. Three 
P.M., passing Donaldsonville. This place has been lost and 
retaken a number of times. It is protected by a good- 
sized fort, and two gimboats lay off in the river. Ten 
thirty p.m., arrive at Baton Rouge, La. 

February 6. At Baton Rouge. The sloop-of-war Richmond 
lays at our stern, and the ironclad gunboat Essex on the 
other shore. We disembarked, formed line, and were es- 
corted to our camping place by our regimental band, who 
had arrived some time before. 

February 7. Cleaning up and getting ready for business. 

February 8. Brigade review and inspection under Gen. N. A. 
M. Dudley, who is in command of this brigade, to which 
we are assigned. He is, or rather ranks, as a colonel of 
the Regular Army. 

February 9 to February 14. Camp duties, poUce, drills, camp 
and picket duties. 

February 14. Three companies arrived under Maj. John W. 
Hodges, and with them Col. C. P. Messer. 



276 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

February 15. Camp duty. 

February 16. Fifteen of our cavalry pickets taken, 

February 17. Orders of the day: 

5.50 A.M. Reveille, 1st call. 

6 A.M. Reveille, 2d call, roll-call immediately. 

7 A.M. Surgeon's call. 
7.30 to 8.30 A.M. Squad drill. 

9 A.M. Guard mounting. 

10 to 11.30 A.M. Company drill. 

11.30 a.m. Recall. 

12 m. Dinner call. 

2.30 to 4.30 P.M. Battalion or brigade drill. 

4.35 P.M. Recall. 

4.45 P.M. Dress parade. 

8 P.M. Tattoo. 
8.15 P.M. Taps. 

6.30 A.M. Breakfast call. 

9 A.M. Sunday inspection. 
February 18 to February 22. Camp duties. 
February 22. Inspection and review. 

February 23. Celebrating Washington's Birthday; sports, 

music, etc. Edward Findlay died. 
February 24. Burial of Edward Findlay. 
February 25 to February 28. Camp duties. 
February 28. Inspection. 
March 1. Brigade review. 
March 2. Orders to pack knapsacks, and to be packed away 

and be ready to start at once. 
March 3. Grand review of the division in heavy marching 

order. The review was under General Augur. 
March 4. Wager made that Company A, 50th, could beat any 

company of the 30th in the manual of arms. 
March 5 to 8. Camp duties. 
March 8. Inspection. 
March 9 and 10. Under marching orders. 
March 11. Grand review of all the troops of the 19th Army 

Corps in and around Baton Rouge by Gen. Nathaniel P. 

Banks, our corps commander. 
March 12 and 13. Still under marching orders. The 2d Loui- 
siana, the 41st and 48th Massachusetts started at nine p.m. 

Troops are moving by our camp at a rapid rate. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 277 

March 14. Ordered to fall in. 3 a.m., started on the road to 
Port Hudson. 8 a.m., came to a halt. 12 m., foraged; got 
some fowl and fresh meat. We are the rear guard, which 
is no enviable position. 

March 15. The baggage train is on the return to Baton Rouge. 
After they passed we fell in the rear. The mortars were 
shelling the batteries at Port Hudson all night. The sloop- 
of-war Mississippi, in attempting to run past the batteries, 
grounded under their guns; the crew set her on fire and 
she then floated and exploded. The movement on the part 
of the army was a feint to allow Farragut to pass the batter- 
ies at Port Hudson, which was successful. We started at 
1 P.M. and at 5 p.m. halted. Raining very hard. 

March 16. Not on the march yet; rained all night; plenty of 
mud ; a good place to sleep, if you can do it standing. 

March 17. A party of rebs drove in our pickets; our brigade 
was sent out to meet them, but we could not make con- 
nections. 

March 18. 12 m., started for Baton Rouge and arrived at 4 p.m. 
After resting thirty minutes, ordered to fall in ; marched to 
and went on board the steamer Morning Light. 4.45 p.m., 
started up the river. 10 p.m., run through a break in the 
levee on a plantation, and stuck fast in the mud, and the 
steamer Empire Parish, with General Dudley on board, was 
caught in the same trap. 

March 19. 11 a.m., the Empire Parish is off. 3.30 p.m., we 
are off. Arrived at Winter's Plantation at 5 p.m. We are 
quartered in huts. 

March 20. Long roll sounded, false alarm. Gunboats shelhng 
rebel supply boats. 

March 21. Gunboats still active. 

March 22. On picket duty. 

March 23. All quiet. 

March 24. McGee's cavalry have just come in from a raid 
opposite Port Hudson, and with fifty men destroyed over 
a milhon dollars' worth of property. 

March 25. All quiet. 

March 26. Returned to Baton Rouge. 

March 27 to 29. All quiet, with rainy weather. 

March 29. Inspection and rain. 



278 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

March 30. Regular camp duties. 

March 31. Brigade inspection. 

April 1 to 4. Camp duties. 

April 4. Moving camp. 

April 5. Inspection. 

April 6. Holiday. Death of George Knowlton. 

April 7. Burial of George Knowlton. 

April 9. Three a.m., ordered to fall in. Four thirty a.m., in a 
regiment made up of Companies A, E, I and K of the 50th 
Regiment, two of the 162d New York, two of the 30th 
Massachusetts and two of the 2d Louisiana, under the 
command of Lieutenant-Colonel Everett of the 2d Louisiana 
and Major Hodges of the 50th. In the column was a squad- 
ron of cavalry and a section of artillery. We marched to 
Bayou Monticeno, destroyed a bridge and drew a small 
force; arriving back at 1L30 a.m. 

April 10 to 17. Regular camp duty. 

April 17. Guard duty at seven a.m. 

April 18. Corpl. John F. Simon died. 

April 19. Jere Nelson made a corporal. 

April 20. Cutting down trees. 

April 21. Assistant Surgeon Dr. French buried to-day. 

April 23. On picket on the Clinton road. 

April 24. Nine a.m. returned from picket duty. 

April 25. Felling trees. 

April 26. Inspection. 

April 27. Digging rifle pits. 

April 28. Camp duty. 

April 29. Picket duty. 

April 30. Mustered for pay, 

May 1. Camp duty. 

May 2. Arrival of Grierson's cavalry from Tennessee, consist- 
ing of two Illinois regiments of cavalry, having been 
sixteen days in the saddle, capturing and patroling 2,000 
rebel prisoners. About 800 spare horses. They dressed 
in the rebel uniforms captured from the enemy. 

May 3. Brigade drill and inspection. 

May 4. Camp duty. 

May 5. Picket on the Comite road. Camp duty. 

May 6, 7, 8. Camp duty. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 279 

May 9 and 10. Picket duty. 

May 11. Camp duty. 

May 12. Four a.m., started in light marching order, twenty 
extra rounds of cartridges were issued. We are on the 
CUnton road. 12 m., halted. 1 p.m., ordered forward 
and halted at a bridge over a bayou called by some Bayou 
Bouche, others White's Bayou. We are to hold this bridge. 
The brigade started off towards Port Hudson, leaving with 
us a section of company, regular hght battery and a 
squadron of the Ilhnois cavalry. 

May 13. The rebs are in sight and the cavalry dispersed them. 

May 14. All is quiet. 

May 15. The same. 

May 16. Made a raid on a plantation and captured sixty-four 
bales of cotton. 

May 17. On picket duty. 

May 18. Went on a scout and captured some cotton and a 
team to bring it in and brought in twenty contrabands. 

May 19. Alarm last night did not amount to much. 

May 20. Foraging. 

May 21. Quiet. 

May 22. Can hear them at work on Port Hudson ; quiet here. 

May 23. Quiet. 

May 24. Inspection. 

May 25. Quiet. 

May 26. Four p.m. A courier arrived from Port Hudson and 
we were ordered to fall in and started. We arrived in front 
of the fortifications at Port Hudson at twelve midnight. 
It was a forced march. 

May 27. 1 a.m., turned in by using our roll for a pillow. 
3 A.M., turned out. 4 a.m., ordered to the support of the 
21st Indiana Heavy Artillery, with no rations since yes- 
terday noon, and then only a little hard-tack. A sutler 
deserted his post near us on account of a shell bursting over 
his store. When he returned everything had disappeared. 
Cause, the shell; but the boys gathered up the fragments, 
which came very handy. What was his loss was our gain. 
Ordered to storm the rebel works, 3 p.m. Began the move- 
ment on the works. Talk about your leaden hail and 
rain! It was a deluge of shot and shell; it was perfect 



280 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

hell. We kept moving forward until about 150 yards from 
the lines, and lay there until 7 p.m., when by orders we 
were withdrawn. Had a little coffee and then turned in. 
Only the right wing of the regiment of the 50th was en- 
gaged, and was under the command of Major Hodges. 
Not having our colors with us was a great protection. 

May 28. The assault yesterday was a failure, but our boys 
stood the fire in first-class shape. I guess they can be 
depended upon in any emergency. 6 p.m., we are off 
again. 7 p.m., arrived at General Dudley's headquarters. 

May 29. Building a road. The siege still continues. 

May 30. Siege still continues. 

May 31. We are still in the pits. We started out to build a 
bridge. I never worked harder. 

June 1, Port Hudson still under siege, and we still in the pits. 

June 2. We are now supporting Nims's Massachusetts Bat- 
tery. Our division lost in the 27th of May fight 400 killed 
and wounded. 

June 3. Still supporting Nims's Battery. The shot and shell 
are dropping around us pretty lively. 

June 4. Supporting Nims's Battery. The rebs have got 
good range on us, but we are in a ravine, and are pretty 
well protected. 

June 5. Still doing business at the same old stand. William 
Evans was wounded by canister shot. 

June 6. Still with Nims's. The rebel sharpshooters are un- 
comfortably close. They have got the range, and we 
can't show our heads. 

June 7. The regiment has left us, leaving Companies A and I 
with Nims's. 

June 8. Dug rifle pits on the flanks of the battery. 

June 9, Eleven a.m., the ball has opened in good earnest, 
artillery firing along the whole line. Lieut. P. D. Allen 
of General Weitzel's staff died; he belonged in Salem, Mass. 

June 10. Still hammering away. Two big fires inside of the 
fortification caused by our shells. 

June 11. The rebels attempted a sortie, but were driven back. 

June 12. Still bombarding, and we are in the pits. 

June 13. 12.35 p.m., a general and very heavy bombard- 
ment commenced, and after one hour's duration a demand 



Fiftieth Massachusetts RegimerU 281 

was made for the surrender of the place, which was not 
acceded to. 

June 14. Supporting the Marine Battery of one hundred- 
pound guns. Tlie second assault upon the works. We 
were ordered out of the pits as the reserve, having to lie 
fiat upon the ground ready for action. Six a.m.. Lieutenant 
Reeves was wounded. Under cover of the dark the troops 
are coming out of the fight, being unsuccessful. 

June 15. Supporting the Marine Battery. Our loss yesterday 
was heavy. 

June 16. Still at the same old job. 

June 17. Supporting Mack's 18th New York. HostiUties 
ceased long enough to bury our dead. 

June 18. In the pits with Mack's Black Horse Battery. 

June 19. Still with Mack's battery. 

June 20. Relieved from duty at Mack's battery. 

June 21. Still on duty at Port Hudson. We have on duty 
to-day one commissioned officer, one sergeant, two cor- 
porals and twenty privates. 

June 22. Still on the same old spot. 

June 23. Still laying siege, working gradually towards their 
works. 

June 24. Supporting Mack's battery again. 

June 25. Still supporting Mack's. 

June 26. Still with Mack's battery. 

June 27. In the deserted rifle pits. 

June 28. In with Mack's battery again. 

June 29. Still at the same old stand, waiting for customers. 

June 30. Still in the rifle pits. 

July 1. A great many of the troops of this department, their 
time having expired and discontent arising among them, 
the 50th Regiment were drawn up in line and addressed 
by General Dudley, after which the regiment voted unani- 
mously to tender their services for fourteen days from the 
30th of June, or until Port Hudson capitulated, in conse- 
quence of which vote Gen. N. P. Banks issued a very 
complimentary order to the regiment, which was read along 
the whole line. 

July 2. Still in the pits. The lines are being drawn pretty 
close around the rebel works. 



282 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

July 3. Still pounding away at the rebels. The complimentary 
order to the 50th Regiment was read to-night. 

July 4. Still at the job. The light batteries are at the rear, 
firing salutes in honor of the anniversary of American 
Independence. 

July 5. Still in the swim. 

July 6. Continual firing is kept up. 

July 7. Still at the front. Vicksburg is taken, which means a 
great stroke for us, as this place cannot hold out much 
longer. The regiments are cheering, the bands playing, 
and the Hght batteries firing salutes. 

July 8. Still in the pits. A flag of truce has been out all day. 
Last night a parley was sounded, and all firing ceased. 
General Gardner is about to surrender. General Banks 
gives him until three p.m. Four p.m., General Gardner has 
surrendered with 100 guns and 7,000 prisoners. 

July 9. Nine a.m., marching into Port Hudson under a blaz- 
ing sun, men dropping along the whole line. We passed 
the prisoners before we came to a halt. 

July 10. On guard at General Gardner's headquarters. The 
prisoners are to be paroled. The sooner the better; they 
want to go and so do we. 

July 11. Still on guard over the rebel officers. They dis- 
credit the capture of Vicksburg. 

July 12. Still on the same duty. 

July 13. Our band and the men from the convalescent camp 
at Baton Rouge arrived. About 1,500 of the rebels were 
paroled to-day. 

July 14. On guard the same duty. All the rest of the prison- 
ers were paroled to-day. Part of our regiment went up 
the river with them. 

July 15. Still here. A salute was fired in honor of the great 
victory at Gettysburg. 

July 16. Still at Port Hudson. 

July 17. Still at Port Hudson. 

July 18. The Illinois cavalry passed up the river on the 
steamer Imperial. We will soon follow. 

July 19. Still at the same old spot. 

July 20. Still doing business at the same old stand. 

July 21 . Our duties same as yesterday, but not much profit in it. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 283 

July 22. We are still holding the fort. 

July 23. The 52d Massachusetts have just gone up the river 
on the H. Chauteau. 

July 24. The 22d and 24th Maine Regiments passed up the 
river on the steamers Empire Parish and Sallie Robinson. 

July 25. The 21st Maine passed up on the Laurel Hill. 

July 26. The 26th Connecticut, 15th New Hampshire and 
21st Maine passed up on the steamers St. Maurice and 
/. W. Cheesnian. Joseph Dodge died to-day. 

July 27. Still at Port Hudson. Buried Joseph Dodge. 

July 28. Turned in our guns and equipments. It looks like 
going home. 

July 29. On board of the steamer Omaha. 10.30 a.m., home- 
ward bound. 11 A.M., passed Waterloo; later passed 
Tunica Island and the Red River. 

July 30. Arrived at Natchez. Elias Trofatter died and was 
buried here. 9.30 a.m., left Natchez. 

July 31, Arrived at Vicksburg at 4.30 a.m.; left Vicksburg 
at 6.30 P.M. 

August 1. James V. Waters died and was buried at the mouth 
of White River. 

August 2. 7 A.M., passed Providence and Napoleon. The lat- 
ter place looks as though it had been ill used. 9 a.m., 
arrived at Island No. 72 to bury the dead. Here we ran 
aground, and after much difficulty got off. 

August 3. 1 A.M., Got aground again, this time so that it 
started the seams in her, so that the water ran in faster 
than we could bail it out. The steamer L. M. Kennett 
took us off, and we arrived at Helena, Ark., at 11 a.m. 
Coaled up and at 6 p.m. started again. Buried two more. 
This makes eight since we left Port Hudson. 

August 4. Buried another at 7.30 p.m. We arrived at Mem- 
phis at 11 A.M. 

August 5. Struck a mud bar, got off and made a landing. 

August 6. Passed Island No. 10, where Commodore Foote 
distinguished himself. 12 noon, passed Hickman. 2.30 
p.m., passed Columbia, and at 6 p.m. arrived at Cairo, 
111., where we take the train. 

August 7. 6 A.M., left the boat; 8 a.m., aboard of baggage 
cars; 11 a.m., left Cairo. 



284 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

August 8. 4 A.M., arrived at Mattoon and changed into pas- 
senger coaches. Left Mattoon at 5 a.m., and arrived at 
Indianapolis at 4 p.m. ; they gave us a fine collation. 7 p.m., 
left Indianapolis. 

August 9. On arrival at Bellefontaine and Marion we received 
a great reception. On arrival at Cleveland we were given 
a great reception and furnished with a fine supper. Eleven 
thirty p.m., as we arrived at Erie, a fine collation was brought 
into the cars. 

August 10. Arrived at Buffalo at 4 a.m., and found the tables 
set in the depot with a fine breakfast, which we enjoyed 
hugely. 7 a.m., left Buffalo; arrived at Albany at 6 p.m. 
A collation was served to us here. Changed cars and left 
Albany at 11 p.m. 

August 11. Arrived in Boston at 4 p.m. Collation at the 
Beach Street Barracks. Marched to the Common and 
were dismissed until further orders, and each company 
started for their respective home under their officers. 
7 P.M., arrived home Salem, and were escorted to the 
Armory by the S.L.I.V.A. It was a great reception. 
We could hardly make our way through the streets on 
account of the crowds. On arrival at the Armory after 
reception, speeches were made, and being replied to the 
company was dismissed, and reassembled August 24 at 
Wenham, where we were mustered out of the United 
States service, having served nearly a year for nine months' 
enlistment. 



From the Boston Journal of Aug. 12, 1863 : 

Military Matters 
arrival of the 50th massachusetts regiment 

The 50th Massachusetts Regiment of Volunteers for nine 
months, from Port Hudson, arrived in this city yesterday after- 
noon about half past four o'clock. The regiment left Albany, 
Monday night, on a special train, and was only detained along 
the route by the hearty receptions and greetings of friends. 

The career of the 50th has been an eventful one. It left 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 285 

Massachusetts about the middle of November and proceeded 
to camp at Union Race Course, Long Island, where it remained 
a fortnight. Its voyage afterward to Dixie was a fair illustra- 
tion of the outward passage of the Banks expedition. The 
much wandering Ulysses would have reveled in just such an 
experience. The band departed with General Banks on the 
steamship North Star, which made the trip to New Orleans in 
ten days. Four companies of the 50th were soon after ordered 
to New York City for transportation. Company I em- 
barked on the steamer New Brunswick, and Companies A, K 
and E on the propeller Jersey Blue. The remaining six com- 
panies were ordered to embark on the Niagara, but this vessel 
proving too small, one company was left in New York. The 
New Brunswick with Company I made a fair passage. When 
this last company reached New Orleans it was at once ordered 
to proceed to Baton Rouge, together with the 41st Massachusetts 
Regiment, and these were among the first troops to occupy that 
city after its evacuation by the rebels. 

The Jersey Blue when six days out put into Port Royal in 
distress and the three companies were transported to the bark 
Guerilla, which was twenty days in making the trip to New 
Orleans. These companies remained at Camp Parapet in 
CarroUton for a short time after their arrival and then joined 
Company I at Baton Rouge. The Niagara, with five companies 
of the regiment on board, sailed on the 12th of December from 
New York. When off Delaware Breakwater this vessel proved 
unseaworthy, by reason of the rottenness of her timbers, and 
put into Philadelphia in distress. There these companies 
were provided for with generous hospitality by the Union 
and Cooper Shop Association. After a delay of four weeks 
the sliip Jenny Lind arrived from New York with the com- 
pany remaining there and with orders to take those five 
companies from Philadelphia to Fortress Monroe. 

Arriving at that point, three companies were taken from the 
Jenny Lind and placed on the sailing ship Montebello, together 
with 250 convalescents from the Chesapeake, some of whom 
had not yet wholly recovered from contagious disease. The 
Montebello made the passage from pilot to pilot in nine days. 
During the passage, however, the smallpox and ship fever, 
communicated from the convalescents, broke out among the 



286 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

members of the oOth, and by the time the ship reached the 
BaUze the contagion had spread so rapidly that three com- 
panies were detained at quarantine for seventy days. During 
this time the Jenny Lind passed up the river with the other 
three companies, having been thirty-five days on the passage 
to New Orleans. 

Thus the regiment was kept wandering in detachments over 
sea and until the 3d of April, when the ten companies came 
together for the first time. The regiment was attached to 
Colonel Dudley's brigade, stationed at Baton Rouge. 

When the first advance was made upon Port Hudson, seven 
companies of the 50th participated in it. In the last advance, 
while General Banks was coming down the Red River to invest 
Port Hudson on the northern side with the troops from the 
Teche country, this regiment accompanied General Augur's 
advance from the lower side. During the battle of the Plains 
it was stationed at White's Bayou and the Clinton road, to- 
gether with a section of artillery and a detachment of Grierson's 
cavalry to prevent any incursion of the enemy on the right 
flank. The 50th marched to Port Hudson on the night of 
May 26, and four companies were in the assault on General 
Augur's front on the 27th. The rest of the regiment supported 
batteries during the engagement. 

In the second assault on the rebel stronghold on June 14, the 
regiment was with General Dwight on the left wing. It met 
few casualties on these occasions. It shared the common 
experience of the troops before Port Hudson throughout the 
siege, in digging and defending rifle pits and saps, and supporting 
batteries until the 29th of June, when its regular term of service 
expired. But Port Hudson had not been taken and Colonel 
Messer, with a spirit worthy of old Massachusetts, at once 
proffered the services of his regiment for fourteen days longer; 
no one doubting that the place w^ould fall before the two weeks 
should pass away. 

General Banks complimented Colonel Messer and his com- 
mand for this patriotic act in a general order issued before 
Port Hudson. 

After the surrender of the place, the 50th remained there on 
duty up to the day of departure for home, which was on the 29th. 
In the passage up the Mississippi the regiment was destined to 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 287 

renew its old experience. While going up the river on the 
gunboat Omaha, upon arriving two miles below Helena, Ark., 
the rickety old craft ran upon a sand bar and stuck hard and 
fast. At first it was feared she would sink, but the men all 
gave a helping hand, and by dint of bailing and pumping for 
nearly a whole night the boat was kept in safety until another 
one was procured from Helena. It took nine days for the trip 
from Port Hudson to Cairo, and nine men died on the way. 

The regiment left Cairo at noon on the 7th instant, and its after 
experience has been of quite a dififerent nature. From Illinois 
to Massachusetts the passage was a perfect ovation. At Cen- 
tralia, Mattoon, Terre Haute, Bellefontaine, Marion, Indian- 
apolis, Cleveland, Erie, Buffalo and Albany the most enthu- 
siastic demonstrations of interest were made in honor of the 
gallant boys from Port Hudson. At all these places refresh- 
ments were provided for the men. The reception all along the 
route through Ohio a thousand times more than redeemed the 
Buckeye State from the reproach copperheads have lately cast 
upon it. As the train rolled slowly up to the various stations, 
men, women and children were seen loaded with delicious 
viands to bestow upon the returning soldiers. All memory of 
hard-tack and salt junk faded away before the generous stores 
of fresh milk, peaches, game, pies and all the other luxuries 
of well-stocked larders. 

The 50th Regiment returns with about 800 men. Ten have 
died on the way. In all there have been 75 deaths in the regi- 
ment. Twenty-seven sick were left at Cairo and three at 
Cleveland — all under the best of care. 

There was a large number of friends of the regiment assembled 
at the Worcester Depot to meet and greet it upon its return, 
and when the train arrived the cheers were hearty and numer- 
ous. After the soldiers had been provided with a sufficient 
repast at the Beach Street Barracks, the regiment formed in 
line, headed by the Chelsea band, and marched to the Common, 
accompanied by a large crowd cheering lustily, where all the 
men were furloughed for six days, to meet at the expiration of 
that time and be mustered out of service. 



288 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

Letter from a Soldier who had recovered his Health 
and returned home from the hospital 

May 26, 1863. 
Dear Aliss: I sit down to tell you that we are home and I 
wish I was somewhere else. I'se Got 3 Bully Boys and 
they are helping me about geting the Garden Sass into the 
ground, but they haint got no mother and I'se got a house 
and a Kow and I thot you 'd be kind of handy to take care 
of them if you 'd stoop so much. I 've thought of you ever 
sense I came from the Hospittle and how kinder Jimmy 
you used to walk up and down them wards. You had 
the best gate I ever seen and my first wife stepped off just 
so and she paid her way in work I tell you. I like to 
work and the Boys like to work and I know you do so I 'd 
like to Jine if you see no objection & now I ve made so 
bold to write sich but I was kinder pushed on by my 
feelinks and so I hope you will excuse it and write soon, 
i shant be mad if you say no ; but it 's no harm to ask and 
as I say I cant help writing and the Boys names is Zebulon, 
Shadrack & Peter. They want to see you as does your 
respectful friend which owes his present health to you. 



ROSTER 

OF THE 

FIFTIETH MASSACHUSETTS 
VOLUNTEERS 



FIELD AND STAFF 

Carlos P. Messer. Colonel. 28. Mustered in Nov. 11, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. He was born in New London, 
N.H., but when quite young came to Haverhill, Mass., 
where he remained most of his life. He was very active 
in the state militia, and first went to the front as captain 
of Company D, in the 5th Regiment, for three months, 
under Col. Samuel C. Lawrence. From his previous ser- 
vice and experience in military affairs he was selected as 
the proper officer to command the regiment, with whom 
he remained during the entire campaign. He received 
his commission July 7, 1863. He was conscientious, pa- 
triotic, kind-hearted and considerate of his men, and at 
the end of his service returned to civil life, and for many 
years conducted a grocery business in Haverhill. About 
ten years ago he removed to New York, and from there 
went to Los Angeles, Cal., where he died Feb. 13, 1907. 

John W. Locke. Lieutenant-Colonel. South Reading. 34. 
Commissioned July 7, 1862. Mustered in Nov. 11, 1862, 
and mustered out Aug. 14, 1863. He was born April 10, 
1828; was captain of Company B, 5th Regiment (three 
months), and was present at the first battle of Bull Run. 
He was in command of the camp at the quarantine station 
below New Orleans two months in 1863, and president of 
a court martial at Baton Rouge. He was in charge of the 
guard at Port Hudson to pass Confederate prisoners of 
war through the lines, and detailed by General Banks to 
conduct prisoners to New Orleans. After his return home 
he resided in Wakefield, and died Aug. 24, 1892. 



290 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

John Hodges, Jr. Major. Salem. 20. Was mustered in 
Nov. 11, 1862, and mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. This 
brave and gallant officer was born at Salem, Dec. 8, 1841, 
attended the public schools of his native city, and entered 
Harvard College in 1858, where he remained until the out- 
break of the RebelUon. Prior to the war he joined the 
Salem Light Infantry, better known as the Salem Zouaves, 
who answered the first call to arms in April, 1861, and 
went out in the 8th Regiment. His first term of service 
was from April to August. Returning home Aug. 22, 
1861, he was mustered in as first lieutenant in the 19th 
Regiment, serving with distinction till June 19 of the fol- 
lowing year, when he was compelled to resign on account 
of severe illness. Recovering his health, he was com- 
missioned major of the 50th, with which he remained until 
its final discharge, loved and admired by the entire regi- 
ment. Feb. 2, 1864, he was mustered in as lieutenant 
colonel of the 59th Regiment (Col. J. P. Gould), leaving 
the state the following April. He was killed at Peters- 
burg, Aug. 3, 1864, in his twenty-third year. While lean- 
ing against an embankment in the crater, he was wounded 
in the thigh, and afterwards struck in the back of the head 
by a bursting shell and instantly killed. He was an ideal 
soldier, courageous, generous and ardent, who gave up his 
life after having served his country in four different regi- 
ments. He represented the finest type of the young men 
who went to the war, and had he lived an honorable and 
even an illustrious career might well have been predicted 
for him. From the ranks to a lieutenant colonelcy he 
filled every position in which he was placed with distinc- 
tion and honor. 

Henry A, Wentworth. Adjutant. 27. Maiden. Mustered 
in Nov. 11, 1862, and mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 

Henry D. Degen. Quartermaster. South Reading. 29. 
Mustered in Nov. 11, 1862, and mustered out Aug. 24, 
1863. Resides at Newton Centre. 

William Cogswell. Surgeon. Bradford. 41. Mustered in 
Nov. 11, 1862, and mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Dr. 
Cogswell was bom at Atkinson, N.H., and after his dis- 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 291 

charge returned to Bradford and engaged in the practice 
of his profession till the time of his death, which occurred 
in Bradford, Aug. 15, 1891. 

Nathaniel W. French. Assistant Surgeon. He came from 
Concord, N.H., was born in 1833, mustered in Nov. 11, 

1862, and died at Baton Rouge, La., April 21, 1863. Dr. 
French was the only commissioned officer of the regiment 
who died during the service, and his body now rests in 
the National Cemetery at Baton Rouge. 

John Hancock. Assistant Surgeon. He was credited from 
Pawtucket, R.I.; mustered in May 21, 1863, and mus- 
tered out Aug. 24, 1863. His present residence is Barre, 
Mass. 

Robert Hassall. Chaplain. Born at Hanley, England, April 
12, 1820. Mustered in Nov. 11, 1862, and resigned March 
2, 1863. On July 9, 1844, he was appointed and ordained 
to the office of a Methodist missionary to labor in Canada. 
In 1846 he went to Meadville, Penn., and took a three 
years' course in the theological school. In 1850 he went to 
St. Louis, having accepted a call to preach in the First 
Congregational Church there. In 1852 he became the 
pastor of the Unitarian Church in Pittsburg, and from 
there he removed to Mendon, Mass., where he remained 
about four years. His next pastorate was in Haverhill, 
Mass., where he resided at the time the 50th Regiment 
was raised. After leaving the army he preached in Keokuk, 
Iowa, and died there Sept. 27, 1900, in his eighty-first 
year. 

Oliver A. Roberts. Sergeant Major. Haverhill. 24. Mus- 
tered in Nov. 11, 1862, and mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 
He is a lawyer and his present residence is Melrose, Mass. 

David M. Kelley. Quartermaster Sergeant. Haverhill. 21. 
Mustered in Nov. 11, 1862, and mustered out Aug. 24, 

1863. Born in Hamilton in May, 1841, he was the son of 
• Rev. George W. Kelley, who was a Congregational minis- 
ter. When about ten he removed to Haverhill. He 
studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1865. During 
the siege of Port Hudson, on account of the illness of 



292 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

Quartermaster Degen, he was acting quartermaster. "In 
1857 he removed to Appleton, Wis. Here he became 
a director of the Green Bay and Mississippi Canal Com- 
pany, and took charge of a line of steamboats running in 
the interests of the company on the Upper and Lower 
Fox Rivers and on Lake Winnebago. In 1868 Mr. Kelley 
became vice-president and superintendent of the Lake and 
River Transportation Company, a corporation running 
steamboats on the Upper and Lower Fox Rivers, and pro- 
pellers on the Great Lakes, and of which company Ex- 
Governor Horatio Seymour of New York was president; 
and in the spring of that year he moved from Appleton 
to Green Bay. In 1869 he purchased the interest of the 
Dousmans in the property and business of Dousman & 
Elmore of Fort Howard on the west side of Fox River, 
opposite Green Bay, then owner of the Green Bay eleva- 
tor, and doing an elevator, grain and wholesale commis- 
sion business. In 1870 he became a director and vice- 
president of the Green Bay and Lake Pepin Railway 
Company, a corporation organized for the purpose of con- 
structing a railroad from Green Bay to the Mississippi 
River. After careful investigation of the project he be- 
came convinced that there was great merit in the enter- 
prise, and that with proper effort the projected road could 
be built, and he therefore resigned his office with the com- 
pany and entered into a contract to construct the entire 
line, binding himself to complete the road to the Mississippi 
on or before Jan. 1, 1876. The first rail was laid in 1871, 
and in twenty-five consecutive months from that time the 
work of 214 miles was completed. This road is now 
known as the Green Bay & Minnesota Railroad, of which 
Mr. Kelley was vice-president and general manager until 
December, 1877, when he resigned to attend to his private 
business." Mr. Kelley was for a time politically very 
prominent in Wisconsin. In 1877 he was a member of the 
Assembly, and in the same year presided over the Repub- 
lican State Convention. During the session of 1879 he 
was the speaker of the Assembly, and later was favorably 
spoken of as a candidate for the United States Senate, 
and for the governorship of Wisconsin. Some years ago, 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 293 

on account of impaired health, he returned to Massachu- 
setts, and now resides in Sharon. 

Leonard Rand. Commissary Sergeant. Haverhill. 43. 
Mustered in Nov. 11, 1862, and discharged Aug. 24, 1863. 
Dead. 

P. A. Sawyer. Hospital Steward. Haverhill. 20. Mustered 
in Nov. 11, 1862; mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subse- 
quent service, assistant surgeon, United States Navy. 
Present residence, Haverhill. 

Henry Johnston. Principal Musician. Topsfield. 33. Mus- 
tered in Nov. 11, 1862, and mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 

Solomon Nelson. First Sergeant of Company K. WhUe 
Sergeant Nelson was not on the regimental staff, for many 
reasons he deserves more than a passing notice in this 
history. The foregoing pages are largely transcripts of his 
diary, with very slight changes. Indeed his entire diary 
is of sufficient interest to merit publication. He had a 
keen sense of humor, possessed wit of no mean order, and 
could always tell a good story. "He was a great reader, 
and admired the humor of Dickens, Thackeray and Tom 
Hood. He was authority on the former, and could locate 
a character or quotation upon an instant's reflection. He 
used to say a book 'that was worth reading once was 
worth reading repeatedly.' He never wasted time with 
books of no merit, was thoroughly acquainted with stand- 
ard literature, ancient and modern." He was a fine rep- 
resentative of the best New England stock, his ancestors 
having lived in Rowley and the vicinity for generations. 
He was born Oct. 25, 1826, and Dec. 6, 1848, married 
Elizabeth Hobson of Rowley. They resided in Georgetown. 
He kept a Uvery stable and was deputy sheriff for many 
years. At various times he occupied the positions of 
selectman, constable and auditor. At the end of his en- 
hstment he was tendered a captain's commission by Gov- 
ernor Andrew. He hved a pure and upright life, highly 
respected by the community and county in which he lived, 
a friend to good citizens and a terror to evil doers. He 
died at Georgetown, March 17, 1882, in the 56th year of 
his age. 



294 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 



COMPANY A 

GEORGE D. PUTNAM. Capt. Clerk. Age 27. Single. Salem. 
Com. Sept. 17, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. Mustered 
out Aug. 24, 1863. Previous service Lt. Co. I 8th Regt. Died 
April 17, 1893. 

ROBERT W.REEVES. 1st Lt. Clerk. Age 21. Single. Salem. 
Com. May 7, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. Mustered 
out Aug. 24, 1863. Previous service Co. I 8th Regt. Subse- 
quent service Capt. of 13th Unattached Infantry. Died in 
Salem, Oct. 16, 1869. 

WILLIAM B.UPTON. 2d Lt. Clerk. Age 24. Single. Salem. 
Com. May 7, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. Mustered 
out Aug. 24, 1863. Previous service Co. I 8th Regt. Subse- 
quent service Capt. of the 1st U. S. Vol. Infantry. 

NATHAN A. FRYE. 1st Sergt. Clerk. Age 22. Single. Salem. 
Enl. Aug. 15, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. Mustered 
out Aug. 24, 1863. Residence, Cambridge, Mass. 

GEORGE O. STEVENS. Sergt. Currier. Age 25. Single. Salem. 
Enl. Aug. 15, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. Mustered 
out Aug. 24, 1863. Previous service Co. I 8th Regt. Subse- 
quent service Lt. 13th Unattached Infantry. Residence, Salem, 

Mass. 

AUGUSTUS BROWN. Sergt. Clerk. Age 19. Single. Salem. 
Enl. Aug. 15, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. Mustered 
out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Salem from railroad accident. 

JOHN W. EVANS. Sergt. Currier. Age 20. Single. Salem. 
Enl. Aug. 15, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. Mustered 
out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Lt. 13th Unattached 
Infantry. Died in Salem, April, 1894. 

DAVID E.SAUNDERS. Sergt. Clerk. Age 20. Single. Salem. 
Enl. Aug. 15, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. Mustered 
out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Brookline, Mass. 

GILMAN A. ANDREWS. Corpl. Painter. Age 21. Single. 
Salem. Enl. Sept. 1, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Past Commander Post 34 G.A.R. 
Resides in Salem, Mass. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 295 

GEORGE H. BLINN. Corpl. Clerk. Age 21. Single. Salem, 
Enl. Aug. 15, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. Mustered 
out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service 13th Unattached 
Infantry and 1st Battalion Frontier Cavalry. At present 
resides in Salem and is Captain of Police. 

WILLIAM D. BALCH. Corpl. Watchmaker. Age 26. Single. 
Salem. Enl. Aug. 25, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Maiden, Mass. 

WILLIAM H. DALRYMPLE. Student. Age 20. Single. Salem. 
Enl. Sept. 1, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. Mustered 
out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Chicago, 111. 

LEBBEUS LEACH, Jr. Corpl. Clerk. Age 22. Single. Boston. 
Enl. Aug. 15, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. Mustered 
out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service 13th Unattached 
Infantry. Resides in Newton, Mass. 

JEREMIAH NELSON. Corpl. Dentist. Age 26. Single. New- 
buryport. Enl. Aug. 15, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. On the Color Guard. Resides 
in Newburyport, Mass. 

NATHANIEL F. ROBINSON. Corpl. Age 18. Single. Salem. 
Enl. Aug. 15, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. Mustered 
out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Salem, June, 1865. 

GREENLEAF S. TUKEY. Corpl. Machinist. Age 19. Single. 
Salem. Enl. Aug. 15, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Reading, Mass. 

JOHN F. SIMON. Corpl. Machinist. Age 19. Single. Salem. 
Enl. Aug. 15, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. Died in 
Baton Rouge, La., April 18, 1863. 

EDWARD STILLMAN. Musician. Student. Age 15. Single. 
Salem. Enl. Oct. 28, 1862. Mustered in Oct. 28, 1862. Mus- 
tered out Aug. 24, 1863. Previous service Salem Cadets. 
Subsequent service 13th Unattached Co. Infantry and Co. E 
1st Battalion Frontier Cavalry. Resides in Salem. 

WILLIAM DILLINGHAM. Musician. Carpenter. Age 26. 
Married. Dracut. Enl. Oct. 15, 1862. Mustered in Oct. 15, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service 4th 
Battery. 



296 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

ELIAS A. TROFATTER. Wagoner. Carpenter. Age 24. 
Single. Salem. Enl. Aug. 30, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 

1862. Died on the Mississippi River, July 30, 1863. Buried 
at Natchez. 

ALLEN, CHARLES F. Private. Student. Age 19. Single. 
Salem. Enl. Sept. 1, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in St. Louis, Mo. 

BABBIDGE, WILLIAM A. Private. Printer. Age 20. Single. 
Salem. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Salem. 

BAKER, HENRY C. Private. Seaman. Age 25. Single. Salem. 
Enl. Sept. 3, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. Deserted 
Dec. 10, 1862. Subsequent service Co. H 20th Mass. Died 
in Wenham. 

BARKER, CHARLES F. Private. Clerk. Age 21. Single. 
Salem. Enl. Nov. 1, 1862. Mustered in Nov. 1, 1862. Mus- 
tered out Aug. 24, 1863. Previous service Salem Cadets. 
Died in Salem. 

BARENSON, ABRAM F. Private. Baker. Age 20. Single. 
Salem. Enl. Oct. 31, 1862. Mustered in Oct. 31, 1862. Mus- 
tered out Aug. 24, 1863. Previous service Salem Cadets. 
Subsequent service Co. M 2d Cavalry. Died in Salem, June 
28, 1887. 

BENNETT, GEORGE A. Private. Cooper. Age 18. Single. 
Salem. Enl. Aug. 21, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service 13th Un- 
attached Co. and Co. E 1st Battalion Frontier Cavalry. Died 
in Lynn, Mass. 

BODEN, THOMAS C. Private. Seaman. Age 44. Married. 
Lynn. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 

1863. Died in Salem. 

BOUSLEY, NATHANIEL C. Private. Clerk. Age 19. Single. 
Salem. Enl. Aug. 15, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Salem, March, 1905. 

BOVEY, THOMAS L. Private. Seaman. Age 19. Single. Salem. 
Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 
Subsequent service U.S. Signal Corps. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 297 

BROOKS, HORACE A. Private. Bookbinder. Age 18. Single. 
Salem. Enl. Aug. 15, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. E 1st 
Battalion Frontier Cavalry. Died in Salem, Aug. 23, 1904. 

BROWN, WILLIAM P. Private. Currier. Age 19. Single. 
Salem. Enl. Sept. 1, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Salem. 

BRYANT, RICHARD. Private. Seaman. Age 22. Married. 
Gloucester. Enl. Sept. 15, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862, 
Deserted Oct. 26, 1862. 

BRYANT, TIMOTHY W. Private. Baker. Age 21. Single. 
Salem. Enl. Aug. 19, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Salem. 

CHESSMAN, CHARLES. Private. Seaman. Age 41. Married. 
Salem. Enl. Aug. 21, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Salem. 

CLARK, WILLIAM B. Private. Seaman. Age 24. Single. 
Salem. Enl. Sept. 3, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Deserted Dec. 10, 1862, in New York. 

COOK, GEORGE B. Private. Seaman. Age 18. Single. Salem. 
Enl. Aug. 25, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. Mustered 
out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in San Francisco, Cal. 

COPELAND, GEORGE A. Private. Architect. Age 18. Single. 
Salem. Enl. Oct. 31, 1862. Mustered in Oct. 31, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Previous service Salem Cadets. 
Subsequent service 23d Regt. Resides in Revere. 

DALRYMPLE, GEORGE. Private. Machinist. Age 18. Single. 
Salem. Enl. Sept. 4, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service 13th Un- 
attached Infantry. Died in Salem. 

DODGE, JOSEPH R. Private. Tanner. Age 18. Single. Salem. 
Enl. Aug. 29, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. Died at 
Port Hudson, La., July 26, 1863. 

EATON, HORACE D. Private. Cooper. Age 18. Single. Salem. 
Enl. Aug. 15, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. Mustered 
out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Salem. 



298 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

EVANS, WILLIAM. Private. Seaman. Age 26. Single. Salem. 
Enl. Oct. 31, 1862. Mustered in Oct. 31, 1862. Mustered 
out Aug. 24, 1863. Woimded at Port Hudson, La. Subse- 
quent service 3d Heavy Artillery. 

FINDLAY, EDWARD. Private. Tanner. Age 18. Single. 
Salem. Enl. Sept 4, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. Died 
in Baton Rouge, La., Feb. 23, 1863. 

FRIEND, JOEL M. Private. Clerk. Age 19. Single. Salem. 
Enl. Sept. 4, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. Mustered out 
Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Salem, May, 1907. 

GARDNER, CHARLES W. Private. Cooper. Age 23. Married. 
Salem. Enl. Aug. 19, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Salem. 

GARDNER, WILLIAM H. Private. Florist. Age 26. Single. 
Salem. Enl. Sept. 4, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Salem. 

GLOVER, JOSEPH N. Private. Painter. Age 22. Single. 
Salem. Enl. Aug. 30, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Salem. 

GLOVER, WILLIAM H. Private. Printer. Age 23. Single. 
Salem. Enl. Aug. 30, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Killed by an electric car. 

GOULD, WILLIAM G. Private. Painter. Age 23. Single. 
Charlestown. Enl. Aug. 24, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Charlestown. 

HALE, JOSEPH S. Private. Clerk. Age 19. Single. Salem. 
Enl. Aug. 22, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. Mustered 
out Aug. 24, 1863. Residence, Redlands, Cal. 

HALL, WILLIAM H. Private. Clerk. Age 19. Single. Salem. 
Enl. Aug. 22, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. Mustered 
out Aug. 24, 1863. Previous service 5th Mass. Died in 
Peabody. 

HAMMOND, WILLIAM G. Private. Carpenter. Age 20. Single. 
Enl. Aug. 15, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. Mustered 
out Aug. 24, 1863. Previous service Corpl. of the 13th Un- 
attached Infantry. Died in Salem, Aug. 3, 1898. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 299 

HARRINGTON, LEONARD. Private. Currier. Age 21. Single. 
Enl. Sept. 21, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 21, 1862. Mustered 
out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Salem. 

HARRIS, ALPHONSO S. Private. Clerk. Age 20. Single. 
Salem. Enl. Aug. 15, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Residence, Chelsea, Mass. 

HARRIS, WILLIAM S. Private. Clerk. Age 21. Single. Salem. 
Enl. Aug. 25, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. Mustered 
out Aug. 24, 1863. Residence, Salem, Mass. 

JANES, JOHN. Private. Carpenter. Age 21. Single. Salem. 
Enl. Aug. 19, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. Mustered 
out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Somerville in 1905. 

KENDALL, WILLIAM H. Private. Clerk. Age 20. Single. 
Salem. Enl. Sept. 1, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Salem. 

KNOWLTON, GEORGE. Private. Milkman. Age 21. Single. 
Salem. Enl. Aug. 25, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Died at Baton Rouge, La., April 7, 1863. 

LAMSON, GEORGE A. Private. Watchmaker. Age 18. Single. 
Salem. Enl. Aug. 15, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24. 1863. Subsequent service 13th Un- 
attached Infantry. Died in Salem. 

LANGDELL, GEORGE W. Private. Painter. Age 19. Single. 
Salem. Enl. Sept. 1, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Residence, Salem, Mass. 

LEE, JOSEPH. Private. Age 28. Salem. Mustered in Sept. 
15, 1862. Discharged Aug. 24, 1863. Residence, Salem, Mass. 

LOWD, JACOB R. Private. Printer. Age 21. Single. Salem. 
Enl. Sept. 4, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. Mustered 
out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Corpl. 1st Battahon 
Frontier Cavalry. Residence, Lynn. 

LUSCOMB, GEORGE W. Private. PoHce officer. Age 28. 
Married. Enl. Sept. 2, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Previous service Co. I 8th Regt. 
Subsequent service Co. G 59th and Co. E 57th. Residence, 
Salem. 



300 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

MACKIE, JOHN A. Private. Clerk. Age 18. Single. Salem. 
Enl. Aug. 15, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. Mustered 
out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Boston. 

MORSE, GEORGE F. Private. Tanner. Age 20. Single. Salem. 
Enl. Sept. 5, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. Mustered 
out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Salem. 

NEWTON, ALBERT E. Private. Baker. Age 24. Single. 
Salem. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Corpl. of 
the 13th Unattached Infantry. Died in Beverly. 

NICHOLS, GEORGE A. Private. Cooper. Age 18. Single. 
Salem. Enl. Aug. 15, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Sergt. in 
the 13th Unattached Infantry. Residence, Salem. 

NOBLE, JAMES A. Private. Clerk. Age 18. Single. Salem. 
Enl. Sept. 1, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. Mustered 
out Aug. 24, 1863. Residence, Salem. 

OBER, OLIVER. Private. Clerk. Age 20. Married. Salem. 
Enl. Sept. 4, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. Died at 
Mound City, III., Hospital, Aug. 14, 1863. 

PALMER, WILLIAM H. H. Private. Clerk. Age 22. Single. 
Salem. Enl. Sept. 1, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Residence, Salem. 

PERCHARD, CLEMENT H. Private. Seaman. Age 20. Single. 
Enl. Sept. 4, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. Mustered 
out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in New Bedford. 

PERKINS, CHARLES. Private. Mason. Age 19. Single. Salem 
Enl. Aug. 15, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. Mustered 
out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Corpl. in 13th Un- 
attached Infantry and Private in 1st Battalion Frontier Cavalry. 
Died in Salem. 

PERKINS, FRANCIS M. Private. Seaman. Age 18. Single. 
Salem. Enl. Aug. 25, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Died in Salem, Aug. 17, 1863. 

PERKINS, GEORGE H. Private. Currier. Age 20. Single. 
Salem. Enl. Aug. 25, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Residence, Salem. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 301 

PERKINS, JAMES W. Private. Civil Engineer. Age 19. Single. 
Salem. Enl. Sept. 2, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Residence, Salem. 

PERLEY, THOMAS A. Private. Farmer. Age 18. Single. 
Salem. Enl. Aug. 24, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Residence, Trinidad, Colo. 

PETERSON, ANDREW G. Private. Clerk. Age 19. Single. 
Salem. Enl. Aug. 24, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Corpl. 13th 
Unattached Infantry, Private Co. E 1st Battalion Frontier 
Cavalry. Died in Salem, 1881. 

PICKMAN, HERSEY D. Private. Student. Age 19. Single. 
Salem. Enl. Aug. 15, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Corpl. 13th 
Unattached Infantry. Died at Dillon, Mont. 

POND, FREDERICK A. Private. Clerk. Age 21. Single. 
Salem. Enl. Sept. 1, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Residence, Lebanon, N.H. 

POPE, THOMAS S. Private. Seaman. Age 34. Married. 
Salem. Enl. Sept. 4, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service 1st Battalion 
Cavalry and the U.S. Navy. Died in Salem. 

PRESTON, OTIS P. Private. Trader. Age 19. Single. Salem. 
Enl. Oct. 31, 1862. Mustered in Oct. 31, 1862. Died in 
Baton Rouge, La., May 26, 1863. 

PRESTON, WILLIAM A. Private. Photographer. Age 19. 
Single. Salem. Enl. Aug. 15, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Woburn. 

ROBINSON, JOHN. Private. Clerk. Age 19. Single. Salem. 
Enl. Aug. 30, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. Mustered 
out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Chicago, 111. 

SAFFORD, GEORGE W. Private. Printer. Age 18. Shigle, 
Salem. Enl. Aug. 15, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Salem. 

SANBORN, JOSEPH W. Private. Clerk. Age 19. Single, 
Salem. Enl. Oct. 6, 1862. Mustered in Oct. 16, 1862. Mus- 
tered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Elizabeth, N.J., July 12, 
1906. Buried in Salem. 



302 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

SCRIGGENS, WILLIAM J. Private. Seaman. Age 28. Single. 
Enl. Sept. 3, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. Mustered 
out Aug. 24, 1863. Died at Soldiers' Home, Togus, Me. 

SHORT, CHARLES H. Private. Clerk. Age 19. Single. Salem. 
Enl. Aug. 15, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. Mustered 
out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Danvers. 

SKINNER, JAMES N. Private. Printer. Age 23, Married. 
Enl. Aug. 30, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. Mustered 
out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Salem. 

SLEUMAN, CHARLES A. Private. Clerk. Age 19. Single. 
Salem. Enl. Aug. 25, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Chelsea, Mass. 

SOUTHARD, GEORGE A. Private. Expressman. Age 21. 
Single. Salem. Enl. Sept. 21, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 21, 
1862. Discharged for disability March 3, 1863. Died in 
Salem. 

STILLMAN, AMOS K. Private. Clerk. Age 19. Single. Salem. 
Enl. Oct. 13, 1862. Mustered in Oct. 13, 1862. Mustered out 
Aug. 24, 1863. Previous service in Salem Cadets. Subse- 
quent service Co. A 23d Mass. Resides in Salem, Mass. 

STODDARD, GEORGE A. Private. Blacksmith. Age 18. 
Single. Salem. Enl. Sept. 4, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Salem. 

STRATTON, BENJAMIN F. Private. Trader. Age 27. Married. 
Salem. Enl. Aug. 30, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Died at Baton Rouge, La., May 1, 1863. 

SYMONDS, EDWARD A. Private. Seaman. Age 20. Single. 
Salem. Enl. Aug. 25, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. H 3d 
Heavy Artillery. Died in Salem. 

THORNDIKE, THEODORE A. Private. Clerk. Age 18. Single. 
Salem. Enl. Aug. 27, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Salem. 

TRASK, JAMES E. Private. Painter. Age 20. Single. Salem. 
Enl. Aug. 15, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. Mustered 
out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service 13th Unattached 
Infantry. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 303 

TUTTLE, WILLIAM W. Private. Clerk. Age 19. Single. 
Salem. Enl. Aug. 30, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Peabody. 

UPTON, WARREN A. Private. Tin plate worker. Age 31. 
Single. Salem. Enl. Aug. 30, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Salem. 

WARNER, FRANK B. Private. Clerk. Age 18. Single. Salem. 
Enl. Sept. 4, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. Mustered 
out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Peabody, Mass. 

WATERS, JAMES V. Private. Brass founder. Age 23. Single. 
Salem. Enl. Sept. 4, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Died on the Mississippi River, Aug. 1, 1863. 

WATSON, JOHN F. Private. Printer. Age 22. Single. Salem. 
Enl. Aug. 15, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. Mustered 
out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Sergeant in 13th Un- 
attached Infantry. Resides in Cambridge. 

WOODBURY, GEORGE H. Private. Mason. Age 20. Single. 
Salem. Enl. Aug. 23, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862, 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Hamilton, Mass. 

OCCUPATIONS 

Clerks 30 Civil engineer 

Sailors 13 Architect 

Printers 6 Dentist 

Painters 5 Bookbinder 

Curriers 5 Florist 

Students 4 Farmer 

Carpenters 4 Photographer 

Coopers 4 Blacksmith 

Tanners 3 Brass founder 

Bakers 3 Tin plate worker 

Watchmakers 2 Expressman 

Machinists 3 Milkman 

Traders 2 Policeman 

Masons 2 No occupation 3 

Married, 10; single, 91. Average age, 21 years 3 months. 



304 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

COMPANY B 

JOHN LANGDON WARD. Captain. Student. Age 20. Single. 
Salem. Com. Sept. 3, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Resigned July 24, 1863. Previous service Co. I 8th Regt. 
Subsequent service Major in U.S. Colored Infantry. 

EDWARD W. PHILLIPS. 1st Lieut. Age 20. Single. Salem. 
Com. Sept. 3, 1862. Resigned on account of ill health July 13, 
1863, and died at Salem, Oct. 13, 1867. Previous service in 
4th Battalion, which garrisoned Fort Independence for several 
weeks in 1861. He was assigned to special service as Com- 
missary of Subsistence on the voyage to New Orleans on the 
transport J. S. Green, which sailed from New York, Dec. 3, 
1862. On arriving at New Orleans he became superintendent 
of the U.S. bakery there, but subsequently rejoined his regi- 
ment. He was the son of Stephen C. Phillips of Salem. 

WILLIAM H. HURD. 2d Lieut. Mason. Age 31. Single. Salem. 
Com. Sept. 3, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. Mustered 
out Aug. 24, 1863. Previous service Co. A 5th Regt. Died 
in Salem, April 20, 1905. 

BENJAMIN F. BLATCHFORD. 1st Sergt. Seaman. Age 27. 
Married. Rockport. Enl. Aug. 20, 1862. Mustered in 
Sept. 15, 1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Glouces- 
ter in 1906. 

JAMES STOREY. Sergt. Carpenter. Age 44. Married. Rock- 
port. Enl. Aug. 20, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. Mus- 
tered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides at Pigeon Cove, Mass. 

CHARLES S. COTTING. Sergt. Machinist. Age 24. Married. 
North Andover. Enl. Sept. 10, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Elmer, N.J. 

MARCUS A. HANNA. Sergt. Seaman. Age 26. Single. Rock- 
port. Enl. Aug. 15, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. Mus- 
tered out Aug. 24, 1863. Received a Medal of Honor. Sub- 
sequent service in Co. K 2d Heavy Artillery. Residence, 
Knightville, Me. 

ELAM W. BURNHAM. Sergt. Farmer. Age 21. Single. Hamil- 
ton. Enl. Sept. 1, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. Died 
at Baton Rouge, La., May 25, 1863. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 305 

ANDREW J. FISH. Corpl. Farmer. Age 30. Married. North 
Andover. Enl. Sept. 11, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Died at Quarantine, La., April 18, 1863. 

DAVID L. TUTTLE. Corpl. Stonecutter. Age 34. Married. 
North Andover. Enl. Aug. 26, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Residence, Uxbridge, 

Mass. 

JAMES F.TUCKER. Corpl. Seaman. Age 30. Married. Rock- 
port. Enl. Aug. 20, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. Died 
at Baton Rouge, La., May 19, 1863. 

GEORGE W. DADE. Corpl. Carpenter. Age 29. Married. 
Rockport. Enl. Aug. 20, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Absent sick when regiment was mustered out. Residence, 
Hastings, Neb. 

EDWARD C. LANE. Corpl. Fisherman. Age 21. Married. 
Rockport. Enl. Oct. 7, 1862. Mustered in Oct. 9, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Rockport, Mass. 

HARRY HAYWOOD. Corpl. Machinist. Age 19. Single. 
North Andover. Enl. Sept. 1, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service in 
Co. H 11th Regt. Resides in Boston, Mass. 

HENRY P. BREWER. Wagoner. Shoemaker. Age 25. Single. 
Hamilton. Enl. Sept. 5, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service 2d Un- 
attached Co. Infantry. Resides in Hamilton, Mass. 

ANDREWS, AUGUSTUS H. Private. Farmer. Age 18. Single. 
Hamilton. Enl. Sept. 1, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Salem, Mass. 

BAMFORD, JESSE. Private. Finisher. Age 18. Single. North 
Andover. Enl. Sept. 15, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in North Andover. Mass. 

BARKER, ANDREW J. Private. Farmer. Age 32. Single. 
North Andover. Enl. Sept. 11, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 
1862. Absent sick when the regiment was mustered out. 
Resides in North Andover, Mass. 



306 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

BARNES, ISRAEL D. Private. Farmer. Age 18. Single. 
Wenham. Enrolled Aug. 11, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service in 
2d Unattached Co. Infantry. Dead. 

BEALS, JOHN. Private. Hostler. Age 18. Single. Rockport. 
Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. Mustered 
out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service in Co. G 8th Regt. 

BEALS, JOSEPH. Private. Stonecutter. Age 44. Married. 
Rockport. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Discharged for disability, April 27, 1863. Died in Salem, 
Mass. 

BEALS, WILLIAM A. Private. Clerk. Age 21. Single. Rock- 
port. Enl. Oct. 27, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. Absent 
sick when regiment was mustered out. 

BOWEN, GEORGE W. Private. Carpenter. Age 44. Married. 
Hamilton. Enl. Sept. 1, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Absent without leave. Died in Ipswich, May 24, 1895. 

BOYNTON, DAVID P., Jr. Private. Merchant. Age 30. Married. 
Rockport. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Absent sick when the regiment was mustered out. Died in 
Rockport. 

BREEN, JAMES, Jr. Private. Seaman. Age 19. Single. Rock- 
port. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. Mus- 
tered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service in Co. K 2d 
Heavy Artillery. Resides in Rockport, Mass. 

BREEN, PETER, Jr. Private. Seaman. Age 23. Married. 
Rockport. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Rockport. 

BROWN, EPHRAIM. Private. Stonecutter. Age 25. Single. 
Rockport. Enl. Sept. 6, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Woonsocket, R.I. 

BUTLER, DAVID. Private. Carpenter. Age 26. Married. 
North Andover. Enl. Aug. 20, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 
1862. Absent sick when regiment was mustered out. Dead. 

BUTLER, THOMAS. Private. Machinist. Age 21. Single. 
North Andover. Enl. Sept. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 307 

BUTTERWORTH, JOHN, Jr. Private. Machinist. Age 22. 
Married. North Andover. Enl. Sept. 15, 1862. Mustered 
in Sept. 15, 1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent 
service Co. B 1st Battalion Cavalry. Died in North Andover. 

BUTTERWORTH, ROBERT. Private. Machinist. Age 18. 
Single. North Andover. Enl. Sept. 11, 1862. Mustered in 
Sept. 15, 1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in 
Cambridge. 

CHADWICK, JAMES W. Private. Farmer. Age 23. Single. 
North Andover. Enl. Sept. 11, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Residence, West Boxford, 
Mass. 

CHASE, EDMUND L. Private. Machinist. Age 19. Single. 
North Andover. Enl. Sept. 11, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Worcester. 

CHASE, PARKER J. Private. Blacksmith. Age 26. Married. 
North Andover. Enl. Sept. 8, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Residence, North An- 
dover, Mass. 

CHOATE, SOLOMON. Private. Painter. Age 22. Single. 
Rockport. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Absent sick when regiment was mustered out. Died in 
Rockport in 1904. 

CLARK, HOSEA B. Private. Seaman. Age 22. Single. Rock- 
port. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. Died 
at Quarantine, La., April 16, 1863. 

CLEGG, JAMES. Private. Finisher. Age 23. Married. North 
Andover. Enl. Sept. 15, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Absent sick when the regiment was mustered out. Dead. 

COGSWELL, THOMAS. Private. Dentist. Age 27. Single. 
East Cambridge. Enl. Sept. 1, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Served in Hospital Dept. 
as attendant. Residence, San Diego, Cal. 

DAY, DAVID M. Private. Stonecutter. Age 42. Married. 
Rockport. Enl. Aug. 25, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Absent sick when the regiment was mustered out. Died in 
Rockport, Mass. 



308 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

DEVON, JOSEPH G. Private. Farmer. Age 19. Single. Rock- 
port. Enl. Aug. 22, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. Left 
at Cairo, 111., sick. Honorably discharged Aug. 24, 1863. 
Resides in Gold Hill, Nev. 

DODGE, ALLEN W. Private. Farmer. Age 25. Married. 
Hamilton. Enl. Sept. 1, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Hamilton, Mass. 

DODGE, ALPHONSO M. Private. Farmer. Age 21. Single. 
Hamilton. Enl. Sept. 1, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Discharged for disability, Dec. 13, 1862. Dead. 

ELWELL, ALVIN F. Private. Quarryman. Age 38. Married. 
Rockport. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Absent sick when the regiment was mustered out. Died in 
Ipswich, Mass. 

FOSS, JOHN G. Private. Farmer. Age 22. Single. Salem. 
Enl. Aug. 28, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. Mustered 
out Aug. 24, 1863. Previous service Co. D 1st Heavy Artillery. 
Subsequent service Co. H 3d Heavy Artillery. Resides in 
Beverly, Mass. 

GAFFNEY, CORNELIUS. Private. Spinner. Age 32. Married. 
North Andover. Enl. Sept. 11, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 

GALLAGHER, JOHN. Private. Laborer. Age 26. Married. 
North Andover. Enl. Sept. 11, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 

GILES, THADDEUS. Private. Mason. Age 33. Single. Rock- 
port. Enl. Aug. 19, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. Ab- 
sent sick when the regiment was mustered out. Died in 
Rockport in 1906. 

GODAY, WILLIAM. Private. Seaman. Age 39. Married. Rock- 
port. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. Died 
Aug. 21, 1863, in Rockport. 

GORRAN, NICHOLAS. Private. Weaver. Age 21. Single. 
North Andover. Enl. Sept. 11, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in North An- 
dover, Mass. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 309 

GRIFFEN, JOSEPH A. Private. Peddler. Age 18. Single. 
Rockport. Enl. Aug. 12, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. M 4th 
Heavy Artillery. 

GRIMES, WILLIAM H. Private. Stonecutter. Age 25. Mar- 
ried. Rockport. Enl. Aug. 12, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Gloucester, 

Mass. 

HASKINS, THOMAS. Private. Seaman. Age 36. Single. Rock- 
port. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. Died 
at Quarantine, La., March 25, 1863. 

HILL, RICHARD W. Private. Seaman. Age 21. Single. Rock- 
port. Enl. Sept. 11, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. Ab- 
sent sick when the regiment was mustered out. Subsequent 
service Co. M 4th Heavy Artillery. Residence, Winchester, 
Mass. 

HOLBROOK, ADEN. Private. Stonecutter. Age 25. Single. 
Rockport. Enl. Sept. 12, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Died at Baton Rouge, La., March 19, 1863. Accidentally shot. 

HOOD, HIRAM D. Private. Farmer. Age 39. Married. Hamil- 
ton. Enl. Sept. 1, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. Mus- 
tered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service in 17th Un- 
attached Infantry. Dead. 

HUGHES, MICHAEL. Private. Spinner. Age 21. Single. 
North Andover. Enl. Sept. 12, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 
1862. Died at Baton Rouge, La., May 26, 1863. 

KINSMAN, AUSTIN G. Private. Clerk. Age 20. Single. Hamil- 
ton. Enl. Sept. 11, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. Died 
en route home, Aug. 20, 1863. 

KNIGHTS, JOHN S. Private. Farmer. Age 19. Single. Rock- 
port. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. Mus- 
tered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Rockport, Mass. 

LEIGHTON, BENJAMIN. Private. Moulder. Age 43. Single. 
Rockport. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 21, 1863. Died in Gloucester in 1896. 



310 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

LOWE, WILLIAM H. Private. Seaman. Age 22. Married. 
Rockport. Enl. Aug. 22, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Absent sick when regiment was mustered out. Resides in 
Gloucester. 

McJANNETT, JOHN. Private. Seaman. Age 38. Married. 
Rockport. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Rockport in 1897. 

McJANNETT, SAMUEL, Jr. Private. Seaman. Age 28. Mar- 
ried. Rockport. Enl. Aug. 25, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Uth 
Battery. Died in Rockport, Mass., 1897. 

MILLER, JAMES. Private. Seaman. Age 19. Single. Salem. 
Enl. Sept. 11, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. Mustered 
out Aug. 24, 1863. Feb. 23, 1866, 2d Lieut, U.S.A. July 28, 
1866, 1st Lieut., U.S.A. Jvme 7, 1899, Capt., U.S.A. Retired 
as Brig.-Gen., U.S.A. Grandson of Gen. James Miller. 

MORDOUGH, JOHN C. Private. Student. Age 18. Single. 
Hamilton. Enl. Sept. 1, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 

MORSE, CHARLES B. Private. Seaman. Age 19. Single. 
Rockport. Enl. Aug. 26, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Charlestown. 

MORSE, GEORGE E. Private. Seaman. Age 23. Single. 
Rockport. Enl. Aug. 20, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Rockport, Mass. 

MORRIS, REUBEN. Private. Cordwainer. Age 25. Single. 
Hamilton. Enl. Sept. 1, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Essex, Mass. 

MULLIN, JOHN. Private. Spinner. Age 21. Single. North 
Andover. Enl. Sept. 11, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 

PARKHURST, GEORGE H. Private. Clerk. Age 18. Single. 
Hamilton. Enl. Oct. 8, 1862. Mustered in Oct. 9, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides at Gloucester, Mass. 

PATCH, JAMES W. Private. Shoemaker. Age 29. Married. 
Hamilton. Enl. Sept. 1, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Essex, May, 1907. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 311 

PATCH, LORING G. Private. Stonecutter. Age 29. Married. 
Rockport. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Died at Baton Rouge, La., June 3, 1863. 

PEABODY, ANSEL. Private. Laborer. Age 43. Single. North 
Andover. Enl. Sept. 11, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Died at North Andover, Aug. 19, 1863. 

PEACH, JOHN H. Private. Stonecutter. Age 44. Married. 
Rockport. Enl. Sept. 3, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Rockport, May 21, 1892. 

PETTINGILL, CHARLES. Private. Seaman. Age 23. Married. 
Rockport. Enl. Aug. 20, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 

PETTINGILL, NATHANIEL W. Private. Seaman. Age 20. 
Single. Rockport. Enl. Aug. 30, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 

15, 1862. Died at Baton Rouge, La., May 11, 1863. 

PIERCE, GEORGE H. Private. Seaman. Age 22. Single. 
Rockport. Enl. Aug. 20, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Rockport. 

POOLE, CALEB N. Private. Seaman. Age 33. Married. 
Rockport. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Rockport. 

POOLE, JOHN A. Private. Farmer. Age 18. Single. Rock- 
port. Enl. Aug. 20, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. Died 
at Baton Rouge, La., May 2, 1863. 

POOLE, RUFUS. Private. Farmer. Age 18. Single. Rockport. 

Enl. Aug. 20, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. Mustered 

out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service in Co. K 2d Heavy 
Artillery. Died in Rockport. 

SLEEPER, BENJAMIN F. Private. Seaman. Age 29. Mar- 
ried. Rockport. Enl. Sept. 6, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Rockland, Me. 

SULLIVAN, JOHN. Private. Age 21. North Andover. Enl. 
Sept. 11, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. Deserted Sept. 

16, 1862. 



312 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

SWAN, BENJAMIN F. Private. Blacksmith. Age 31. Married. 
North Andover. Enl. Sept. 11, 1862. Mustered in Sept, 15, 
1862. Deserted, Nov. 7, 1862. 

TARR, SOLOMON. Private. Mariner. Age 23. Married. Rock- 
port. Enl. Sept. 1, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. Mus- 
tered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Boston, Mass. 

TRUSSELL, ARTHUR B. Private. Farmer. Age 18. Single. 
Hamilton. Enl. Sept. 11, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1862. Subsequent service Co. F 23d 
Mass. Resides in Framingham, Mass. 

TUCKER, WILLIAM. Private. Seaman. Age 42. Married. 
Rockport. Enl. Aug. 20, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Absent sick when the regiment was mustered out. Died in 
Rockport, Jan. 4, 1882. 

TUCKER, WILLIAM, Jr. Private. Seaman. Age 18. Single. 
Rockport. Enl. Aug. 20, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Died at Quarantine, La., Feb. 25, 1863. 

TUTTLE, GEORGE H. Private. Blacksmith. Age 18. Single. 
North Andover. Enl. Sept. 11, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in North Andover, 
Mass. 

TUTTLE, JOHN M. Private. Teamster. Age 32. Single. Rock- 
port. Enl. Aug. 20, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. Mus- 
tered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Pigeon Cove, Mass. 

TUTTLE, NICHOLAS Private. Mason. Age 45. Married. 
North Andover. Enl. Sept. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 
1862. Died at Quarantine, La., April 25, 1863. 

WEEKS, JOHN. Private. Farmer. Age 43. Single. Hamilton. 
Enl. Sept. 1, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. Mustered out 
Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. K 2d Heavy Artillery. 
Died in Hamilton. 

WETHERBEE, ANDREW P. Private. Laborer. Age 18. 
Single. Rockport. Enl. Aug. 19, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 
15, 1862. Absent sick when regiment was mustered out. 
Died in Rockport. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 313 

WHEELER, GEORGE. Private. Seaman. Age 22. Single. 
Rockport. Enl. Aug. 28, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. G 3d 
Heavy Artillery. Resides in San Francisco, Cal. 

WITHAM, JOHN. Private. Butcher. Age 36. Married. Rock- 
port. Enl. Aug. 20, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. Mus- 
tered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Gloucester, Mass. 

WOODBURY, JOHN L. Private. Farmer. Age 19. Single. 
Hamilton. Enl. Sept. 1, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 15, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Hamilton, Mass. 

OCCUPATIONS 

Seamen 23 Fisherman 

Farmers 17 Hostler 

Stonecutters 8 Merchant 

Machinists 6 Printer 

Clerks 4 Dentist 

Carpenters 4 Quarryman 

Masons 3 Weaver 

Blacksmiths 3 Peddler 

Spinners 3 Moulder 

Laborers 3 Cordwainer 

Students 2 Mariner 

Shoemakers 2 Teamster 

Finishers 2 Butcher 

No business 

Married, 38; single, 53. Average age, 26 years 3 months. 



COMPANY C 



DARIUS N. STEVENS. Capt. Trader. Age 33. Married. 
Stoneham. Com. July 26, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Previous service Lieut. Co. L 
6th Regiment. Died at Stoneham, May 26, 1892. Captain 
Stevens was the son of Darius Stevens of Stoneham, one of 
the leading citizens of the town in his time, and grandson of 
Rev. John H. Stevens, who for over thirty years was pastor 
of the Congregational Church in Stoneham. Captain Stevens 
was highly esteemed in the regiment as a brave and patriotic 
officer. 



314 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

SAMUEL C. TRULL. 1st Lieut. Operator. Age 25. Married. 
Stoneham. Com. Sept. 4, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Previous service Lt. Co. L 6th 
Regt. At present resides in Stoneham. 

FREDERICK COCHRANE. 2d Lieut. Lawyer. Methuen. 
Single. Com. Sept. 12, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service in Co. E 
59th Regt. Died in Boston. 

JEFFERSON HAYES. 1st Sergt. Shoemaker. Age 29. Single. 
Stoneham. Enl. Aug. 25, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Previous service Co. L 6th Regt. 
Subsequent service in Co. K 5th Regt. Died in Stoneham. 

WALLACE HYDE. Sergt. Clerk. Age 23. Married. Lawrence. 
Enl. Aug. 20, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Mustered 
out Aug. 24, 1863. At Soldiers' Home in Chelsea. 

FRANCIS M. SWEETSER. Sergt. Operator. Age 23. Single. 
Stoneham. Enl. Aug. 20, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Previous service in Co. L 6th 
Regt. Subsequent service in Co. K 5th Regt. Resides in 
Stoneham. 

JOHN TAYLOR. Sergt. Spinner. Age 26. Married. Lawrence. 
Enl. Aug. 20, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Mustered 
out Aug. 24, 1863. 

MARSHALL P. SWEETSER. Sergt. Shoe cutter. Age 26. 
Married. Stoneham. Enl. Aug. 20, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 
19, 1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service 
Co. K 5th Regt. Resides in Boston. 

JOHN L.COTTON. Corpl. Laborer. Age 28. Single. Stoneham. 
Enl. Aug. 28, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Mustered 
out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. I 4th Heavy 
Artillery. 

LEWIS MAXWELL. Corpl. Shoemaker. Age 35. Married. 
Stoneham. Enl. Aug. 20, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Previous service Co. F 5th Regt. 
Died in Stoneham. 

STEPHEN O'HARA. Corporal. Shoemaker. Age 20. Single. 
Stoneham. Enl. Aug. 28, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Absent sick when the regiment was mustered out Aug. 24, 
1863. Dead. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 315 

WILLIAM T. TURNER. Corpl. Shoemaker. Age 23. Single. 
Stoneham. Enl. Aug. 20, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 

WILLIAM H. HURD. Corpl. Clerk. Age 32. Married. Stone- 
ham. Enl. Aug. 20, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Mus- 
tered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service in Co. K 5th 
Regt. Died in Minneapolis, Minn. 

WILLIAM B. STEVENS. Corpl. Student. Age 19. Single. 
Stoneham. Enl. Sept. 1, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Absent sick when the regiment was mustered out Aug. 24, 
1863. Resides in Stoneham, and is a justice of the Superior 
Court. 

MOSES DOWNES, Jr. Corpl. Shoemaker. Age 24. Married. 
Stoneham. Enl. Aug. 20, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service in Co. K 
5th Regt. Died in Stoneham. 

JOSEPH W. FIELDS. Corpl. Shoemaker. Age 25. Married. 
Stoneham. Enl. Sept. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Previous service in Co. I 8th 
Regt. Subsequent service in Co. K 5th Regt. Resides in 
Woburn. 

ALBERT N. HOLDEN. Musician. Last maker. Age 18. Single. 
Stoneham. Enlisted Sept. 12, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Absent sick when the regiment was mustered out, 
Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service in Co. K 5th Regt. Re- 
sides in New York City. 

MARK M. BAILEY. Musician. Laborer. Age 20. Single. 
Lawrence. Enl. Sept. 19, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Deserted Nov. 1, 1862. 

LUTHER HARRIMAN. Wagoner. Teamster. Age 22. Married. 
Saugus. Enl. Oct. 15, 1862. Mustered in Oct. 15, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Saugus, Mass. 

ABERCROMBIE, JOHN. Private. Dresser. Age 40. Married. 
* Lawrence. Enl. Aug. 24, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Lawrence, Mass. 

BAILEY, WILLIAM P. Private. Farmer. Age 20. Married. 
Lawrence. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Transferred Nov. 1, 1862, to Co. K 50th. Resides in Newbury, 

Mass. 



316 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

BARLOW, ALFRED. Private. Weaver. Age 27. Married. 
Lawrence. Enl. Sept. 15, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Waltham, Mass. 

BICKNELL, WILLIAM W. Private. Shoemaker. Age 24. 
Single. Stoneham. Enl. Aug. 20, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 
19, 1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 

BLODGETT, LEVI S. Private. Farmer. Age 19. Single. 
Methuen. Enl. Sept. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 

BOARDMAN, JAMES. Private. Spinner. Age 42. Married. 
Lawrence. Enl. Sept. 15, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 

BODWELL, STEPHEN B. Private. Clerk. Age 18. Single. 
Lawrence. Enl. Sept. 15, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Lawrence. 

BOWER, ROBERT. Private. Clerk. Age 34. Single. Lawrence. 
Enl. Aug. 23, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Mustered 
out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Lawrence. 

BOYLE, JAMES. Private. Shoemaker. Age 29. Married. 
Stoneham. Enl. Aug. 20, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Stoneham. 

BRIERLY, DAVID. Private. Laborer. Age 42. Married. 
Saugus. Enl. Aug. 28, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 

BROWN, ROBERT K. Private. Shoemaker. Age 18. Single. 
Stoneham. Enl. Aug. 29, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service in Co. K 
5th Regt., and Co. L 3d Cavalry. Resides in Stoneham, Mass. 

BUTTERWORTH, WILLIAM. Private. Spinner. Age 39. 
Married. Lawrence. Enl. Aug. 20, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 
19, 1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died at Soldiers' 
Home, Togus, Me. 

CARLTON, HENRY C. Private. Operator. Age 18. Single. 
Methuen. Enl. Aug. 23, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. L 2d 
Heavy Artillery. Resides in Detroit, Mich. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 317 

CHARLESWORTH, EMANUEL B. Private. Weaver. Age 32. 
Married. Lawrence. Enl. Sept. 9, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 
19, 1862. Discharged Feb. 7, 1863, for disability. Died in 
Portsmouth, N.H. 

CLARK, JOSEPH. Private. Weaver. Age 32. Married. Lowell. 
Enl. Oct. 30, 1862. Mustered in Oct. 30, 1862. Mustered out 
Aug. 24, 1863. 

CLARK, PATRICK. Private. Age 24. Methuen. Enl. Sept. 15, 
1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Only on the muster roU. 

CLEMENT, JULIUS. Private. Shoemaker. Age 29. Married. 
Stoneham. Enl. Aug. 27, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 

CLOUGH, JOHN B. Private. Shoemaker. Age 26. Married. 
Stoneham. Enl. Aug. 20, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service in Co. K 
5th Regt. Resides in Stoneham. 

COLE, THOMAS. Private. Shoemaker. Age 24. Single. New- 
field, Me. Enl. Aug. 20, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 

DECATUR, ANDREW J. Private. Carpenter. Age 35. Married. 
Methuen. Enl. Sept. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in West Haverhill, Mass. 

DIKE, MARCUS M. Private. Laborer. Age 19. Single. Stone- 
ham. Enl. Aug. 20, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Ab- 
sent sick when the regiment was mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 
Died in Stoneham. 

DUGAN, JAMES H. Private. Shoemaker. Age 27. Married. 

Stoneham. Enl. Aug. 20, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 

Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service in Co. I 
4th Heavy Artillery. Resides in Stoneham. 

ELDRED, ALMOND. Private. Currier. Age 19. Single. Stone- 
ham. Enl. Aug. 20, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Mus- 
tered out Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 

FOWLER, BENJAMIN A. Private. Student. Age 18. Single. 
Stoneham. Enl. Aug. 20, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Arizona. Was de- 
tailed on the Signal Corps. 



318 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

GOODWIN, JOHN. Private. Laborer. Age 24. Single. North 
Andover. Enl. Sept. 12, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Lawrence. 

GOODWIN, JOHN G. Private. Shoemaker. Age 45. Married. 
Stoneham. Enl. Aug. 20, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Stoneham. 

GOODWIN, THOMAS. Private. Laborer. Age 20. Single. 
Lawrence. Enl. Aug. 12, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Absent sick when the regiment was mustered out Aug. 24, 
1863. Resides in Lawrence. 

GREEN, ARTHUR M. Private. Farmer. Age 23. Single. 
North Andover. Enl. Aug. 25, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Philadelphia, Pa. 

HALL, JOHN N. Private. Farmer. Age 42. Married. Methuen. 
Enl. Aug. 25, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Died in 
hospital at Mound City, 111., Aug. 8, 1863. 

HARDACRE, .\ARON. Private. Dresser. Age 40. Married. 
Lawrence. Enl. Aug. 28, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Waltham, Mass. 

HERSEY, ALVIN E. Private. Shoemaker. Age 18. Single. 
Stoneham. Enl. Aug. 30, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service in Co. K 
5th Regt., and Co. L 3d Cavalry. Resides in Stoneham. 

HOWARD, BERNARD. Private. Operator. Age 35. Married. 
Lawrence. Enl. Aug. 28, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Lawrence. 

HOWARD, FRANK A. Private. Shoemaker. Age 18. Single. 
Stoneham. Enl. Oct. 15, 1862. Mustered in Oct. 15, 1862. 
Absent sick when the regiment was mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 

HURD, JAMES W. Private. Shoemaker. Age 26. Married. 
Stoneham. Enl. Aug. 20, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. B 2d 
Heavy Artillery, and Co. B 17th Regt. Died in Lynn, Mass. 

JACKSON, WILLIAM. Private. Laborer. Age 26. Married. 
Lawrence. Enl. Aug. 25, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Lawrence, Mass. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 319 

JONES, GEORGE. Private. Shoemaker. Age 22. Single. Stone- 
ham. Enl. Aug. 20, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Mus- 
tered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service in Co. K 5th 
Regt. Resides in Stoneham. 

KELLEY, OWEN. Private. Shoemaker. Age 20. Single. 
Stoneham. Enl. Aug. 20, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Previous service Co. K 5th Regt. 
Resides in Stoneham. 

KENYON, THOMAS. Private. Dyer. Age 25. Married. North 
Andover. Enl. Sept. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in North Andover. 

LAHEY, MICHAEL. Private. Shoemaker. Age 22. Single. 
Stoneham. Enlisted Aug. 20, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service in 
Co. K 5th Regt. Dead. 

LARKIN, JOHN. Private. Musician. Age 39. Married. Charles- 
town. Enl. Oct. 29, 1862. Mustered in Oct. 30, 1862. Mus- 
tered out Avig. 24, 1863. Previous service in Band of 2d R.I. 
Infantry. Subsequent service in Brigade Band of No. 1 Corps 
d'Afrique. Dead. 

LEIGHTON, LEWIS. Private. Shoemaker. Age 24. Single. 
Stoneham. Enl. Aug. 20, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 

LOVEJOY, JAMES L. Private. Teamster. Age 21. Single. 
Methuen. Enl. Aug. 25, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. C 4th 
Heavy Artillery. Died in Methuen. 

MAILEY, NICHOLAS J. Private. Laborer. Age 33. Single. 

Haverhill. Enl. Oct. 31, 1862. Mustered in Oct. 31, 1862. 

Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. L 4th 
Heavy Artillery. 

McCarthy, DENNIS G. Private. Age 27. Married. North 
Andover. Enl. Sept. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Deserted at Philadelphia, Pa., Jan. 3, 1863. 

McDADE, JOHN. Private. Laborer. Age 24. Married. Law- 
rence. Enl. Aug. 22, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Mus- 
tered out Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 



320 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

McKAY, GEORGE. Private. Laborer. Age 33. Married. Law- 
rence. Enl. Aug. 22, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 

MEAD, JOHN. Private. Laborer. Age 27. Single. North 
Andover. Enl. Aug. 28, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 

MESSER, ALONZO. Private. Laborer. Age 26. Single. 
Methuen. Enl. Aug. 22, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 

MESSER, MYRON W. Private. Clerk. Age 21. Single. Stone- 
ham. Enl. Aug. 20, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Mus- 
tered out Aug. 24, 1863. At present resides in Windsor, Vt. 

MILLS, JESSE. Private. Farmer. Age 41. Married. Methuen. 
Enl. Aug. 21, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Died at 
Baton Rouge, La., April 17, 1863. 

MITCHELL, MICHAEL. Private. Dyer. Age 21. Single. 
Lawrence. Enl. Aug. 22, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 

MOODY, JAMES S. Private. Laborer. Age 30. Married. Stone- 
ham. Enl. Sept. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Previous service Co. L 6th 
Regt. Subsequent service Co. E 3d Heavy Artillery. Died 
at Togus, Me., September, 1892. Buried in Bradford, Mass. 

NE VERS, JOHN W. Private. Laborer. Age 33. Married. Stone- 
ham. Enl. Sept. 1, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Mus- 
tered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Stoneham. 

O'SHEA, MICHAEL. Private. Laborer. Age 35. Married. 
Lawrence. Enl. Aug. 28, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Lawrence. 

POMEROY, WILLIAM. Private. Student. Age 18. Single. 
Boston. Enl. Aug. 20, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. E 6th 
Regt. Resides in St. Louis, Mo. 

QUIMBY, LESTER F. Private. Shoemaker. Age 18. Single. 
Stoneham. Enl. Aug. 30, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service in Co. K 
5th Regt. Dead. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 321 

RANDALL, CHARLES. Private. Shoemaker. Age 19. Married. 
Methuen. Enl. Aug. 20, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. A 4th 
Heavy Artillery. 

RANDALL, JOHN. Private. Shoemaker. Age 26. Single. 
Methuen. Enl. Aug. 20, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 

SEELEY, JOSEPH. Private. Hostler. Age 18. Single. Methuen. 
Enl. Aug. 22, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Discharged 
at Boston, May 30, 1863, for disabihty. Died at Amesbury, 
Aug. 2,"l892. 

SHIELDS, ROBERT. Private. Hatter. Age 18. Single. Methuen. 
Enl. Aug. 28, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Mustered 
out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Methuen. 

SMITH, THOMAS. Private. Laborer. Age 27. Married. Law- 
rence. Enl. Sept. 1, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. E 59th 
Regt. Died in Methuen, Mass. 

STACKPOLE, JOHN. Private. Laborer. Age 25. Married. 
Lowell. Enl. Nov. 15, 1862. Mustered in Nov. 15, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service in Co. D 1st 
Battery Heavy Artillery. 

TAY, BENJAMIN F., Jr. Private. Shoemaker. Age 25. Married. 
Stoneham. Enl. Aug. 20, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Previous service Co. L 6th Regt. 
Dead. 

TAY, FRANKLIN BAXTER. Private. Shoemaker. Age 25. 
Single. Stoneham. Enl. Aug. 20, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 
19, 1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 

TURNER, JOHN A. Private. Operator. Age 21. Single. 
Medford. Enl. Aug. 20, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides at East Auburn, Me. 

WARREN, CHARLES H. Private. Chemist. Age 21. Single. 
Dover, N.H. Enl. Aug. 20, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Re-enlisted, and transferred June 28, 1863, to General Banks's 
corps of Clerks. 



322 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

WENTWORTH, CHARLES A. Private. Farmer. Age 18. 
Single. Methuen. Enl. Aug. 12, 1862 Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Lynn. 

WHEELER, JOSEPH B. Shoe cutter. Age 25. Single. Stone- 
ham. Enl. Aug. 22, 1863. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1863. Mus- 
tered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Stoneham. 

WHEELER, WILLL4M W. Private. Shoemaker. Age 29. Mar- 
ried. Stoneham. Enl. Aug. 20, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Discharged Feb. 18, 1863, for disability. Died in 
Stoneham, Mass. 

YOUNG, GEORGE W. P. Private. Shoemaker. Age 21. Married. 
Stoneham. Enl. Aug. 20, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. I 4th 
Heavy Artillery. Resides in Stoneham. 

OCCUPATIONS 

Shoemakers 27 Dyers 2 

Laborers 17 Musician 1 

Farmers 6 Trader 1 

Operators 5 Lawyer 1 

Clerks 5 Last maker 1 

Spinners 3 Carpenter 1 

Students 3 Currier 1 

Dressers 3 Hostler 1 

Weavers 3 Hatter 1 

Shoe cutters 2 Chemist 1 

Teamsters 2 None 2 

Married, 44; single, 44; unknown, 1. Average age at date of 
enlistment, 28 years and 3 months. 



COMPANY D 



JOSIAH W. COBURN. Capt. Cabinetmaker. Age 49. Married. 
Reading. Com. Aug. 30, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Reading. 

JOHN S. CONEY. 1st Lieut. Shoemaker. Age 39. Single. 
North Readmg. Com. Aug. 30, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Previous service Co. B 
5th Regt. Died in Worcester. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 323 

ORAMEL G. ABBOTT. 2d Lieut. Shoemaker. Age 28. Married. 
Reading. Com. Aug. 30, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Previous service Co. B 5th Regt. 
Died in Milford, Conn. 

STEPHEN P. ROWELL. 1st Sergt. Cabinetmaker. Age 36. 
Married. Melrose. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 
19, 1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service 
Co. H 18th Regt. Died in Melrose. 

GEORGE J. BARTLETT. Sergt. Carpenter. Age 35. Married. 
Reading. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Died at Baton Rouge, La., July 2, 1863. 

ASA C. BUCK. Sergt. Shoemaker. Age 27. Married. Reading. 
Enl. Aug. 15, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Died at 
Baton Rouge, La., April 19, 1863. 

LEVI SWAIN, Jr. Sergt. Farmer. Age 39. Married. Wilming- 
ton. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Mus- 
tered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in North Wilmington, Mass. 

HARLEY PRENTISS. Sergt. Clerk. Age 18. Single. Reading. 
Enl. Aug. 11, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Mustered 
out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. E 1st Battery 
Heavy Artillery. Died in Reading, Mass. 

EDWARD D. PEARSON. Sergt. Clerk. Age 25. Married- 
Wibnington. Enl. Sept. 17, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Ballard vale, Mass. 

JOSEPH T. BATCHELLER. Sergt. Shoemaker. Age 21. Single. 
North Reading. Enl. Aug. 19, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. 
A 1st Battalion Cavalry. Resides at Cambridgeport. 

ASA P. TIBBETTS. Corpl. Shoemaker. Age 39. Married. 
Reading. Enl. Aug. 17, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Died at Baton Rouge, La., June 8, 1863. 

TOBIAS PINKHAM. Corpl. Cabinetmaker. Age 32. Married. 
Reading. Enl. Aug. 17, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Died at Baton Rouge, La., May 2, 1863. 

JAMES P. MORTON. Corpl. Shoemaker. Age 39. Married. 
Wibnington. Enl. Aug. 20, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Saugus. 



324 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

GEORGE M. PEASLEE. Corpl. Cabinetmaker. Age 33. Mar- 
ried. Reading. Enl. Aug. 21, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Absent sick when the regiment was mustered out Aug. 
24. 1863. Died in Charlestown. 

WILLIAM BUCK. Corpl. Shoemaker. Age 29. Married. Read- 
ing. Enl. Aug. 21, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Mus- 
tered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Haverhill. 

WILLIAM H. NASH. Corpl. Cabinetmaker. Age 34. Married. 
Reading. Enl. Aug. 21, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Reading. 

JUSTIN M. WESTON. Corpl. Shoemaker. Age 33. Married. 
North Reading. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Appointed Corpl. April 20, 1863. 
Dead. 

SAMUEL T. SWEETSER. Corpl. Carpenter. Age 27. Married. 
Reading. Enl. Aug. 15, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Appointed Corpl. July 2, 1863. 
Resides in Reading. 

DAVID G. RICHARDSON. Corpl. Cabinetmaker. Age 36. 
Married. Reading. Enl. Aug. 26, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 

1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Appointed Corpl. July 2, 

1863. Died in Reading. 

AUGUSTINE P.COOK. Corpl. Farmer. Age 19. Single. North 
Reading. Enl. Aug. 21, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Appointed Corpl. July 2, 1863. 
Dead. 

JOHN L. FARRELL. Musician. Artist. Age 25. Married. 
Reading. Enl. Aug. 19, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 

GEORGE ROGERS. Wagoner. Painter. Age 39. Married. 
Reading. Enl. Aug. 19, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 

BANCROFT, GEORGE. Private. Yeoman. Age 17. Single. 
Wilmington. Enl. Aug. 25, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. D 59th 
Regt. Died in Wobum. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 325 

BANCROFT, HASKEL K. Private. Butcher. Age 31. Married. 
Reading. Enl. Sept. 17, 1862. Mustered in Nov. 5, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 

BANCROFT, HENRY L. Private. Yeoman. Age 17. Single. 
Wilmington. Enl. Aug. 25, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. E 1st 
Battery Heavy Artillery. Resides in Wilmington, Mass. 

BARNES, JOHN A. Private. Carpenter. Age 23. Single. Read- 
ing. Enl. Aug. 22, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Dis- 
charged at Philadelphia, Pa., Feb. 11, 1863, for disability. 

BATTELLE CHARLES P. Private. Yeoman. Age 18. Single. 
Reading. Enl. Aug. 22, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. A 59th 
Regt. 

BLANCHARD, EDWIN. Private. Yeoman. Age 44. Married. 
Wilmington. Enl. Sept. 1, 1862. Mustered in Oct. 15, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 

BOYCE, CHARLES M. Private. Blacksmith. Age 22. Single. 
Reading. Enl. Aug. 22, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Absent sick when the regiment was mustered out Aug. 24, 
1863. Resides in Stoneham. 

BRUCE, GEORGE G. Private. Shoemaker. Age 24. Single. 
Reading. Enl. Aug. 21, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Woburn. 

BUNKER, NOBLE. Private. Cabinetmaker. Age 32. Married. 
Reading. Enl. Aug. 22, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Absent when the regiment was mustered out Aug. 24, 1863, 
Sick. Resides in Reading. 

CARR, DANIEL W. Private. Farmer. Age 18. Single. Wil- 
mington. Enl. Sept. 17, 1862. Mustered in Oct. 15, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 

CONEY, GEORGE A. Private. Carpenter. Age 25. Married. 
Readmg. Enl. Aug. 22, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. K 5th 
Regt. Died in Haverhill in 1900. 



326 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

CONEY, GEORGE C. Private. Carpenter. Age 43. Married. 
Reading. Enl. Aug. 22, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Reading. 

COOK, GEORGE W. Private. Cabinetmaker. Age 28. Married. 
Salem. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Absent sick when regiment was mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 
Resides in Reading. 

DALEY, JEREMIAH. Private. Shoemaker. Age 18. Single. 
Reading. Enl. Aug. 23, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Died Aug. 10, 1863, at Mound City, IlL 

DAMON, CHRISTOPHER C. Shoemaker. Age 33. Married. 
North Reading. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Absent sick when regiment was mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 
Dead. 

EAMES, HENRY W. Private. Farmer. Age 23. Single. Wil- 
mington. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides at Wilmington. 

EATON, APPLETON P. Private. Shoemaker. Age 23. Single. 
No. Reading. Enl. Aug. 17, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. E 1st 
Battery Heavy Artillery. Died at North Reading. 

EATON, MOSES F. Private. Shoemaker. Age 46. Married. 
Reading. Enl. Aug. 23, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Died at Quarantine, La., Feb. 18, 1863. 

EVANS, CHARLES A. Private. Cabinetmaker. Age 18. Single. 
Reading. Enl. Aug. 17, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 

FLETCHER, NATHAN B. Private. Shoemaker. Age 27. Single. 
Reading. Enl. Aug. 17, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Lynn. 

FLINT, ASA A. Private. Shoemaker. Age 21. Single. No. 
Reading. Enl. Aug. 23, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Discharged at Boston, May 29, 1863, for disability. Resides in 
North Reading. 

FLINT, GEORGE A. Private. Shoemaker. Age 21. Single. 
No. Reading. Enl. Aug. 17, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in North Reading. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 327 

FLINT, WILLIAM W. Private. Shoemaker. Age 21. Single. 
North Reading. Enl. Aug. 17, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in North Reading. 

FORTISS, WILLIAM. Private. Yeoman. Age 45. Married. 
Wihnington. Enl. Aug. 17, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 

FROST, CHARLES C. Private. Carpenter. Age 34. Married. 
Reading. Enl. Aug. 17, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Reading. 

FULTON, JOSEPH W. Private. Clerk. Age 23. Single. An- 
dover. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service in Co. K 4th 
Heavy Artillery. Resides at Methuen. 

GATES, HENRY A. Private. Shoemaker. Age 21. Single. North 
Reading. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept 19, 1862. 
Died Aug. 8, 1863, at Mound City, 111. 

GOODWIN, GEORGE H. Private. Organ pipe maker. Age 21. 
Single. Reading. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Boston. 

GOWING, CHARLES P. Private. Butcher. Age 36. Married. 
Wilmington. Enl. Sept. 17, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Wilmington in 1887. 

GOWING, GAYTON. Private. Hospital nurse. Age 25. Single. 
Wilmington. Enl. Sept. 17, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 

GREEN, GEORGE W. Private. Farmer. Age 21. Single. 
North Reading. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 

GROYER, CHARLES A. Private. Yeoman. Age 21. Single. 
Reading. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 

HARNDEN, GEORGE W. Private. Clerk. Age 23. Single. 
Andover. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Lynn. 



328 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

HARNDEN, OTIS. Private. Butcher. Age 23. Single. Wil- 
mington. Enl. Sept. 17, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Haverliill. 

HARRIS, THOMAS W. Private. Seaman. Age 35. Married. 
North Reading. Enl. Aug. 21, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Reading. 

HOLT, CHARLES. Private. Shoemaker. Age 28. Married. 
Reading. Enl. Aug. 21, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Died at Mattoon, 111., Aug. 18, 1863. 

HOLT, MILTON G. Private. Shoemaker. Age 28. Married. 
North Reading. Enl. Aug. 21, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 

1862. Died at Baton Rouge, La., July 18, 1863. 

HOLT, SQUIRES. Private. Shoemaker. Age 33. Married. 
Reading. Enl. Aug. 21, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Absent sick when regiment was mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 
Resides in Reading, Mass. 

HOPKINS, GEORGE W. Private. Farmer. Age 21. Single. 
Reading. Enl. Aug. 28, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Absent sick when the regiment was mustered out on Aug. 24, 

1863. Dead. 

HOPKINS, JOSEPH B. Private. Farmer. Age 45. Married. 
Reading. Enl. Aug. 23, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Derry, N.H. 

HOWARD, JOHN L. Private. Shoemaker. Age 29. Single. 
Wilmington. Enl. Aug. 28, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Richmond, N.H. 

HUNTER, WILLIAM A. Private. Shoemaker. Age 25. Single. 
North Reading. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Reading, Mass. 

JENKINS, CHARLES. Private. Shoemaker. Age 42. Married. 
North Reading. Enl. Aug. 23, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Absent sick when the regiment was mustered out Aug. 
24, 1863. Died in North Reading, Mass. 

JONES, LORING. Private. Shoemaker. Age 36. Married. 
Boston. Enl. Aug. 23, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service in Co. C 
1st Battalion of Cavalry. Resides in Gloucester, Mass. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 329 

KENDALL, WALDO T. Private. Cabinetmaker. Age 32. 
Married. Charlestown. Enl. Sept. 17, 1862. Mustered in 
Oct. 2, 1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 

LaCLAIR, WILLIAM. Private. Shoemaker. Age 26. Married. 
Reading. Enl. Aug. 23, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service in Co. I 
11th Regt. Resides in Reading. 

MARSHALL, WILLIAM H. Private. Shoemaker. Age 32. 
Married. Reading. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 
19, 1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service 
2d Batteiy. Resides at Hampton, Va. 

McALEER, JOSEPH. Private. Cabinetmaker. Age 26. Single. 
Reading. Enl. Aug. 14, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Avig. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. G 56th 
Regt. Died in Reading, Mass. 

McINTIRE, AMOS. Private. Shoemaker. Age 36. Married. 
Reading. Enl. Aug. 25, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Absent sick when the regiment was mustered out Aug. 24, 
1863. Died in Derry, N.H. 

MILLIGAN, GEORGE. Private. Butcher. Age 22. Single. 
Reading. Enl. Sept. 17, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Wilmington, Mass. 

MUNROE, CHARLES M. Private. Shoemaker. Age 18. Single. 
North Reading. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service U.S. 
Signal Corps. 

MYERS, CHARLES. Private. Shoemaker. Age 28. Married 
Reading. Enl. Aug. 25, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 

NICHOLS, AMOS B. Private. Shoemaker. Age 28. Single. 
North Reading. Enl. Aug. 14, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Died at Mound City, 111., Aug. 24, 1863. 

NICHOLS, EDWARD E. Private. Stitcher. Age 28. Married. 
Reading. Enl. Aug. 14, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Died at Readville, Mass., Aug. 20, 1863. 



330 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

NICHOLS, NATHANIEL. Private. Shoemaker. Age 32. Single. 
North Reading. Enl. Aug. 14, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Absent sick when the regiment was mustered out Aug. 
24, 1863. Dead. 

NICHOLS, WILLIAM R. Private. Shoemaker. Age 41. Single. 
North Reading. Enl. Sept. 17, 1862. Mustered in Oct. 18, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service 
Principal Musician of the 57th Regt. Dead. 

PARKER, CLARKSON. Private. Shoemaker. Age 28. Married. 
Reading. Enl. Aug. 15, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Reading, Mass. 

PARKER, EDWARD. Private. Mason. Age 24. Married. 
Reading. Enl. Aug. 15, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Absent sick at Mound City, lU., when regiment was mustered out. 

PEARSON, GEORGE O. Private. Butcher. Age 29. Married. 
Wihnington. Enl. Aug. 19, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Discharged at North Wilmington, April 25, 1863, for disability. 

PEARSONS, DANIEL N. Private. Shoemaker. Age 21. Mar- 
ried. Wilmington. Enl. Aug. 17, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 
19, 1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Wihnington, 

Mass. 

PERKINS, WALTER G. Private. Yeoman. Age 17. Single. 
Reading. Enl. Sept. 17, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. A 59th 
Regt. Resides in Haverhill, Mass. 

PLATTS, CHARLES B. Private. Shoemaker. Age 18. Single. 
North Reading. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service U.S. 
Signal Corps. Resides in Woburn. 

PRATT, EDWARD E. Private. Machinist. Age 31. Married. 
Reading. Enl. Aug. 15, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Absent sick when the regiment was mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 
Dead. 

PRATT, STILLMANM. Private. Shoemaker. Age 32. Married. 
Reading. Enl. Aug. 15, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Absent sick when the regiment was mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 
Died 1891 in Reading. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 331 

PRENTISS, SAMUEL. Private. Artist. Age 49. Married. 
Reading. Enl. Aug. 17, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862, 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 

RICHARDSON, HORACE A. Private. Shoemaker. Age 28. 
Single. Reading. Enl. Aug. 17, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 

SIDELINKER, GEORGE W. Private. Shoemaker. Age 22. 
Single. North Reading. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in 
Sept. 19, 1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent 
service Co. E 1st Battery Heavy Artillery. Died at North 
Wilmington, Mass. 

TAYLOR, CHARLES. Private. Hostler. Age 18. Single. Read- 
ing. Enl. Aug. 15, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Mus- 
tered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. B 1st Battalion 
Cavalry. Resides in Reading, Mass. 

TRULL, JOHN A. Private. Shoemaker. Age 24. Married. 
Andover. Enl. Aug. 19, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Died at Baton Rouge, La., July 9, 1863. 

UPTON, AMBROSE. Private. Farmer. Age 36. Married. Wil- 
mington. Enl. Aug. 19, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. D 59th 
Regt. Dead. 

UPTON, RUSSELL. Private. Shoemaker. Age 33. Married. 
Wihnington. Enl. Aug. 19, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Lynn, December, 1906. 

WALLS, PASCHAL A. Private. Shoemaker. Age 24. Single. 
North Reading. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service U.S. 
Signal Corps. Resides in North Reading, Mass. 

WESTON, FRANCIS C. Private. Seaman. Age 24. Married. 
Reading. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Absent sick when the regiment was mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 
Dead. 

WESTON, JOHN H. Private. Seaman. Age 18. Single. Read- 
ing. Enl. Sept. 17, 1862. Mustered in Nov. 6, 1862. Absent 
sick when the regiment was mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 



332 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

WESTON, NELSON S. Private. Cabinetmaker. Age 33. Mar- 
ried. Enl. Aug. 15, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Ab- 
sent sick when the regiment was mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 
Dead. 

WHITEHOUSE, CHARLES E. Private. Shoemaker. Age 22. 
Single. North Reading. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in 
Sept. 19, 1862. Died in North Reading, Mass., Aug. 15, 1863. 

WHITMAN, ALBERT H. Private. Yeoman. Age 21. Single. 
Reading. Enl. Sept. 17, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Discharged at Boston, Mass., Nov. 29, 1862, for disability. 
Dead. 

WILLIAMS, JOSEPH F. Private. Cahinetmaker. Age 28. 
Married. EnL Aug. 15, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Reading, Mass. 

WRIGHT, HIRAM F. Private. Lawyer. Age 38. Married. 
Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Absent sick 
wlien the regiment was mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 

OCCUPATIONS 

Shoemakers 43 Painter 1 

Cabinetmakers 13 Blacksmith 1 

Farmers 8 Organ pipe maker 1 

Yeomen 8 Hospital nurse 1 

Carpenters 6 Mason 1 

Butchers 5 Machinist 1 

Clerks 4 Hostler 1 

Seamen 3 Lawyer 1 

Artists 2 Stitcher 1 

Married, 56; single, 45. Average age, 28 years and 6 months. 



COMPANY E 



SAMUEL F. LITTLEFIELD. Capt. Tin plate worker. Age 36. 
Born in Wells, Me., Jan. 5, 1826. Married. South Reading. 
Com. Sept. 12, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Mustered 
out Aug. 24, 1863. Previous service Capt. of Co. E 8th Regt. 
Died March 24, 1905. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 333 

HORACE M.WARREN. 1st Lt. Clerk. Age 21. Single. South 
Reading. Com. Sept. 12, 1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 
Previous service Private in Co. B 5th Regt., Sergeant Co. E 
20th Regt. Subsequent service Adjutant of the 59th Regt. 
Lieutenant Warren was born in Maine in 1841, descended from 
Moses Warren of Waltham, who fought at Bunker Hill. Natu- 
rally brave and impetuous, he enlisted at the commencement of 
hostilities in the Richardson Light Guard, South Reading, 
served with that company three months in the 5th Regiment 
and was in the first battle of Bull Run. Re-enlisting in the 
20th Regt., he engaged in the battle of Ball's Bluff. At this 
battle, which occurred on the 21st day of October, 1861, Ser- 
geant Warren was in command of his company on account of 
the loss of superior officers and was so severely wounded it 
was thought that he could not live, the surgeon saying at the 
time, '•' Put him one side, boys, he won't live twenty minutes." 
" The boys did not give up hope, however, but determined to 
save him if possible. Protecting him as best they could from 
the enemy, they placed him in a boat, and managed to get him 
into an old barn on the opposite shore, from whence, after twenty- 
four hours in a pouring rain and without medical attendance, 
he was carried to the hospital at Poolsville. Upon the organi- 
zation of the 59th Regt., he was requested by Colonel Gould to 
accept the office of Adjutant, with which request he complied. 
The regiment had an eventful history, participating in some of 
the severest fighting of the war, having been engaged at Spott- 
sylvania, Cold Harbor, Petersburg and Weldon Railroad. Adju- 
tant Warren was again wounded at Cold Harbor, but not dis- 
abled as he thought from duty. At the battle of Weldon Rail- 
road, Adjutant Warren acted as assistant adjutant general. 
At Reams Station he was wounded and died on the 27th of 
August, 1864, from the effects of the wounds. Before his 
death, however, in recognition of his brave and gallant service, 
a major's commission had been conferred upon him." Lieuten- 
ant Warren possessed the traits out of which heroes are 
moulded. 

JAMES D. DRAPER. 2d Lt. Razor-strap maker. Age 31. Mar- 
ried. South Reading. Com. April 30, 1861. Mustered in 
Sept. 19, 1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Previous ser- 
vice Co. B 5th Regt. Subsequent service Co. E 1st Battery 
Heavy Artillery. 

JASON H. KNIGHT. 1st Sergt. Cordwainer. Age 24. Married. 
South Reading. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 



334 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Previous service Co. B 
5th Regt. Subsequent service Co. E 8th Regt. Died in Wake- 
field, Mass. 

JAMES M. SWEETSER. Sergt. Cordwainer. Age 34. Married. 
South Reading. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Previous service Co. B 
5th Regt. Subsequent service Co. E 8th Regt. and Co. D 
59th Regt. Died in Florida. 

GEORGE H. GREEN. Sergt. Moulder. Age 28. Married. 
South Reading. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Died and buried at sea Jan. 10, 1863. 

JAMES A. BURDETT. Sergt. Cordwainer. Age 25. Married. 
South Reading. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Previous service Co. B 
5th Regt. Subsequent service Co. E 8th Regt. Died in 
Wakefield. 

THOMAS SWEETSER. Sergt. Cordwainer. Age 27. Married. 
South Reading. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Discharged Jan. 5, 1863, for disabihty. Previous ser- 
vice Co. B 5th Regt. 

GEORGE K. OILMAN. Sergt. Railroadman. Age 30. Married. 
South Reading. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Wakefield. 

CHARLES F. HARTSHORN. Sergt. Clerk. Age 27. Married. 
South Reading. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Wakefield. 
Town clerk. 

JAMES M. MORRILL. Corpl. Carpenter. Age 25. Single. 
South Reading. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Previous service Co. B 
5th Regt. Subsequent service Co. E 8th Regt. Resides in 
Boston. 

JOSEPH S. EUSTIS. Corpl. Razor-strap maker. Age 29. Single. 
South Readmg. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Previous service Co. B 
5th Regt. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 335 

JOHN Q. A. PARKER. Corpl. Butcher. Age 32. South 
Reading. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 

WILLIAM N.TYLER. Corpl. Barber. Age 27. Married. South 
Reading. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Previous service Co. B 5th Regt. 
Subsequent service Co. E 8th Regt. Clerk 1st District Court 
of Eastern Middlesex. Resides in Maiden. 

RUFUS F. DRAPER. Corpl. Cordwainer. Age 23. Married. 
South Reading. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. 
E 8th Regt. Residence, Wakefield. 

GEORGE CARTER. Corpl. Cordwainer. Age 22. Single. 
South Reading. Enl. Aug. 21, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Previous service Co. E 
15th Regt. Subsequent service Co. E 8th Regt. Residence, 
Reading, Mass. 

MYRON H. WHITTREDGE. Corpl. Shoemaker. Age 20. 
Single. Lynnfield. Enl. Aug. 24, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 
19, 1862. Absent sick when the regiment was mustered out 
Aug. 24, 1863. Residence, Lynn. 

CHARLES S.EMERSON. Corpl. Clerk. Age 33. Single. South 
Reading. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Wakefield, Mass. 

ABORN, HENRY. Private. Engineer. Age 30. Single. South 
Reading. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Discharged date unknown. 

ANDERSON, GEORGE W. Private. Farmer. Age 21. Single. 
South Reading. Enl. Aug. 19, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Absent sick when the regiment was mustered out on 
Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 

BARBER, THOMAS. Private. Gas maker. Age 31. Single. 
South Reading. Enl. Aug. 17, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service U.S. 
Signal Corps. Dead. 

BARRON, ELLIOTT F. Private. Cordwainer. Age 34. Married. 
Melrose. Enl. Aug. 17, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 



336 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

BENT, JOHN S. Private. Age 18. Single. Boston. Enl. Oct. 
31, 1862. Mustered in Oct. 31, 1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 
1863. Dead. 

BROWN, BENJAMIN T. Private. Painter. Age 25. Single. 
Lynnfield. Enl. Aug. 21, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. At Soldiers' Home, Chelsea. 

BROWN, CHARLES H. Private. Farmer. Age 21. Single. 
Hingham. Enl. Aug. 30, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 

BROWN, JOHN C. Private. Farmer. Age 27. Married. Saugus. 
Enl. Aug. 27, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Mustered 
out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Lovell, Me. 

BROWN, JONAS C. Private. Teamster. Age 38. Married. 
Melrose. Enl. Aug. 28, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Died at Baton Rouge, La., June 18, 1863. 

BRUCE, JASPER F. Private. Clerk. Age 18. Single. South 
Reading. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Billerica. 

BUTTERFIELD, FRANCIS M. Private. Milkman. Age 35. 
Married. Saugus. Enl. Aug. 21, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Lynn. 

CARTWRIGHT, JOSEPH. Private. Tin plate worker. Age 44. 
Married. South Reading. Enl. Aug. 26, 1862. Mustered in 
Sept. 19, 1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Wake- 
field. 

CHURCHILL, GERMAN S. Private. Druggist. Age 29. Mar- 
ried. South Reading. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in 
Sept. 19, 1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 

COON, WILLIAM L. Private. Factory hand. Age 19. Single. 
South Reading. Enl. Aug. 19, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. E 
8th Regt. Resides in Wakefield. 

COOPER, REUBEN L. Private. Iceman. Age 32. Married. 
South Reading. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Wakefield, 1905. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 337 

COX, GEORGE. Private. Cordwainer. Age 34. Married. Lynn- 
field. Enl. Aug. 25, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Mus- 
tered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Wakefield. 

COX, JAMES B. Private. Painter. Age 18. Single. Melrose. 
Enl. Aug. 19, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Mustered 
out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service 9th Battery. 

DANFORTH, ALFRED W. Private. Druggist. Age 20. Single. 
South Reading. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Reading, Mass. 

DAVIS, CHARLES A. Private. Joiner. Age 34. Married. South 
Reading. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service in Co. K 
4th Heavy Artillery. Died in Wakefield, April 3, 1892. 

DEADMAN, WILLIAM D. Private. Butcher. Age 19. Single. 
South Reading. Enl. Aug. 20, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. E 
8th Regt. Resides in Wakefield. 

DEGEN, CHARLES F. Private. Age 25. Married. Watertown. 
Enl. Oct. 24, 1862. Mustered in Oct. 24, 1862. Mustered out 
Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 

DIX, JOSEPH O. Private. Carpenter. Age 44. Single. Melrose. 
Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Mustered 
out Aug. 24, 1863. Previous service Co. B 5th Regt. Died 
in Wakefield. 

DODGE, IGNATIUS S. Private. Cordwainer. Age 26. Single. 
Topsfield. Enl. Oct. 18, 1862. Mustered in Oct. 18, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Rowley. 

DONOGHUE, JOHN J. Private. Nailer. Age 26. Single. 
Melrose. Enl. Aug. 25, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Deserted in New York, Nov. 22, 1862. 

EATON, CHESTER W. Private. Lawyer. Age 23. Single. 
South Reading. Enl. Aug. 27, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Wakefield. 
Editor and publisher of the Wakefield Citizen and Banner. 



338 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

EATON, JOHN S. Private. Cordwainer. Age 34. Married. 
South Reading. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Oxford, Neb. 

EMERSON, JUSTUS W. Private. Farmer. Age 21. Single. 
Lynnfield. Enl. Aug. 29, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service in Co. G 
1st Cavalry. Resides in Lynnfield. 

ESTES, O'NEAL J. Private. Farmer. Age 26. Married. South 
Reading. Enl. Aug. 20, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Died in Baton Rouge, La., May 12, 1863. 

EUSTIS, WILLIAM C. Private. Clerk. Age 25. Single. 
Cambridge. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Hyde Park. 

FARRELL, MICHAEL. Private. Farmer. Age 35. Married. 
Melrose. Enl. Aug. 21, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Maiden. 

FISK, JOSEPH A. Private. Painter. Age 31. Married. South 
Reading. Enl. Aug. 21, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Discharged March 9, 1863, for disability. Resides in Lynn. 

FISK, WILLIAM L. Private. Cordwainer. Age 18. Single, 
s'augus. Enl. Aug. 27, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. E 8th 
Regt. Resides in Cliftondale, Mass. 

FULLER, GEORGE P. Private. Merchant. Age 33. Married. 
Melrose. Enl. Aug. 17, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Melrose. 

HAMILTON, ROBERT. Private. Farmer. Age 22. Single. 
South Reading. Enl. Aug. 20, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Wakefield. 

HARRINGTON, CHARLES T. Private. Moulder. Age 25. 
Married. South Reading. Enl. Aug. 21, 1862. Mustered in 
Sept. 19, 1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent ser- 
vice Co. B 5th Regt. Resides in Wakefield. 

HAWKES, JOHN. Private. Cordwainer. Age 38. Married. 
South' Reading. Enl. Aug. 21, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. K 
4th Heavy Artillery. Resides in Wakefield. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 339 

KINGMAN, WILLIAM W. Private. Cordwainer. Age 30. Mar- 
ried. South Reading. Enl. Aug. 17, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 
19, 1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service 
Co. E 8th Regt. Died in Wakefield. 

KNIGHTS, Henry C. Private. Cordwainer. Age 32. Married. 
South Reading. Enl. Aug. 19, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 

LYMAN, HENRY H. Private. Operator. Age 23. Married. 
Meh-ose. Enl. Aug. 30, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 

McAllister, GEORGEH. Private. Carpenter. Age 26. Mar- 
ried. Melrose. Enl. Aug. 26, 1862. Mustered' in Sept. 19, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Boston. 

MILLER, CHARLES C. Private. Laborer. Age 21. Single. 
South Reading. Enl. Aug. 25, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 

MOORE, JOHN L. Private. Factory hand. Age 19. Single. 
South Reading. Enl. Aug. 20, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Died at Baton Rouge, La., April 16, 1863. 

MORTON, JOSEPH. Private. Cordwainer. Age 27. Single. 
Wibnington. Enl. Aug. 28, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. K 4th 
Heavy Artillery. Died in Wakefield. 

MOSES, GEORGE. Private. Cordwainer. Age 21. Single. 
South Reading. Enl. Aug. 17, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service U.S. 
Signal Corps. Dead. 

MOSES, JOHNF. Private. Cordwainer. Age 27. Single. South 
Reading. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Died at Baton Rouge, La., July 4, 1863. 

MURKLAND, ROBERT L. Private. Cordwainer. Age 30. 
Married. South Reading. Enl. Aug. 20, 1862. Mustered in 
Sept. 19, 1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 

NEWHALL, DAVID. Private. Factory hand. Age 19. Single. 
South Reading. Enl. Aug. 20, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. E 
8th Regt. Dead. 



340 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

NEWMAN, J. FRANK. Private. Dentist. Age 25. Single. 
South Reading. Enl. Aug. 25, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 

1862. Absent sick when regiment was mustered out Aug. 24, 

1863. Dead. 

PLACE, FRANKLIN C. Private. Carpenter. Age 34. Married. 
Charlestown. Enl. Aug. 20, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Charlestown. 

FILLINGS, JONATHAN. Private. Factory hand. Age 24. 
Single. South Reading. Enl. Aug. 29, 1862. Mustered in 
Sept. 19, 1862. Died at Baton Rouge, La., April 1, 1863. 

POPE, JACOB H. Private. Cordwainer. Age 25. Married. 
South Reading. Enl. Aug. 22, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Wakefield. 

PRENTICE, CHARLES. Private. Cordwainer. Age 29. Mar- 
ried. Melrose. Enl. Oct. 15, 1862. Mustered in Oct. 15, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Melrose. 

RANDALL, HOWARD. Private. Cordwainer. Age 26. Married. 
Raynham. Enl. Aug. 29, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 

RESTARICK, WALTER. Private. Age 18. South Reading. 
Enl. Nov. 15, 1862. Mustered in Nov. 15, 1862. Mustered out 
Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service in Co. E 8th Regt. and Co. 
C 1st Battalion of Cavalry. 

RICHARDSON, IRVING. Private. Cordwainer. Age 21. Single. 
Lynnfield. Enl. Aug. 21, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in North Reading, Mass. 

RICHARDSON, OSBORNE, Jr. Private. Cordwainer. Age 19. 
Single. Lynnfield. Enl. Aug. 27, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service 29th 
Unattached Heavy Artillery. Resides in Lynnfield, Mass. 

SHELTON, THOMAS. Private. Pump maker. Age 32. Single. 
Melrose. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Absent sick when regiment was mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 
Subsequent service Co. E 8th Regt. Dead. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 341 

SIMONDS, CHARLES H. Private. Farmer. Age 33. Single. 
Maiden. Enl. Aug. 27, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. K 59tli 
Regt. Dead. 

SKINNER, WILLIAM G. Private. Teamster. Age 18. Single. 
South Reading. Enl. Aug. 28, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Wakefield, 
Mass. 

SNELL, FRANKLIN L. Private. Farmer. Age 18. Single. 
South Reading. Enl. Aug. 25, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. E 
8th Regt. 

SNELL, LOUIS A. Private. Farmer. Age 22. Single. South 
Reading. Enl. Aug. 21, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Discharged for disability Feb. 26, 1863. 

STAFFORD, WILLIAM C. Private. Tailor. Age 27. Single. 
Saugus. Enl. Aug. 17, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 

STIMPSON, WILLIAM W. Private. Cordwainer. Age 23. Single. 
Enl. Aug. 29, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Died in 
Baton Rouge, La., May 19, 1863. 

SWEETSER, ELBRIDGE L. Private. Clerk. Age 20. Single. 
South Reading. Enl. Aug. 27, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Everett, Mass. 

THOMPSON, GEORGE A. Private. Factory hand. Age 18. 
Single. South Reading. Enl. Aug. 28, 1862. Mustered in 
Sept. 19, 1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent 
service Co. E 8th Regt. Resides in Melrose. 

TIBBETTS, GEORGE E. Private. Cordwainer. Age 22. Single. 
South Reading. Enl. Aug. 21, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. E 
8th Regt. 

TREFETHEN, BENJAMIN A. Private. Clerk. Age 18. Single. 
Saugus. Enl. Aug. 28, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. E 8th 
Regt. Resides in Lynn. 



342 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 



TYLER, GEORGE L. Private. Barber. Age 24. Married. 
South Reading. Enl. Aug. 17, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. K 
4th Heavy Artillery. Resides in Wakefield. 

UNRAH, GEORGE R. Private. Druggist. Age 18. Single. 
Maiden. Enl. Oct. 15, 1862. Mustered in Oct. 15, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 

UPTON, AUGUSTINE. Private. Farmer. Age 21. Single. 
Danvers. Enl. Aug. 24, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service in U.S. 
Engineers. Died in Danvers, Mass. 

WALTON, OLIVER, 2d. Private. Fish dealer. Age 24. Married. 
South Reading. EnUsted Aug. 20, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 
19, 1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Wakefield. 

WELLMAN, HENRY B. Private. Farmer. Age 22. Single. 
Lynnfield. Enl. Aug. 25, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Died at Baton Rouge, La., May 31, 1863. 

WINSHIP, SAMUEL. Private. Wheelwright. Age 37. Married. 
South Reading. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Wakefield. 



OCCUPATIONS 

Cordwainers 25 

Farmers 12 

Clerks 7 

Factory hands 5 

Carpenters 4 

Druggists 3 

Painters 3 

No occupation 3 

Tin plate workers 2 

Razor-strap makers .... 2 

Moulders 2 

Butchers 2 

Barbers 2 

Teamsters 2 

Railroad man 1 

Shoemaker 1 

Married, 40; single, 49; unknown, 2. 
3 months. 



Engineer 1 

Gas maker 1 

Milkman 1 

Iceman 1 

Joiner 1 

Nailer 1 

Lawyer 1 

Merchant 1 

Operator 1 

Laborer 1 

Dentist 1 

Pump maker 1 

Tailor 1 

Fish dealer 1 

Wheelwright 1 



Average age 26 years and 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 343 

COMPANY F 

SAMUEL W. DUNCAN. Capt. Student. Age 23. Single. Haver- 
hill. Com. Aug. 28, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Mus- 
tered out Aug. 24, 1863. Captain Duncan "was the son of 
Hon. James H. Duncan, an eminent lawyer of Haverhill, and 
a representative to Congress, and was born in that city Dec. 
19, 1838. In 1856 he entered Brown University, having as class- 
mates, among other men. Rev. A. J. Gordon, D.D., for many 
years pastor of the Clarendon Street Baptist Church, Boston; 
Rev. Wayland Hoyt, D.D., pastor of the Epiphany Baptist 
Church, Philadelphia, and Henry K. Porter, Esq., of Pittsburg, 
Perm. Graduating from Brown with honor in 1860, he spent 
one year in travel, and in 1861 he entered Newton Theological 
Institution, leaving, however, in a short time to respond to 
the call of his country. In two weeks he raised Company F 
in Haverhill, and was commissioned Captain. After being 
mustered out of service he entered Rochester Theological 
Seminary, from which institution he graduated in the class of 
1866. He was ordained pastor of the Erie Street, now Euchd 
Avenue Baptist Church of Cleveland, Ohio, in April, 1867. In 
1875 he became pastor of the Ninth Street Church in Cincinnati, 
Ohio, and in 1883 he removed to Rochester, N.Y., where he 
became pastor of the Second Baptist Church. In the year 
1885 he was called to the presidency of Vassar College, but 
decided to continue in the pastorate. Retiring in 1888 from 
his work in Rochester, he spent several years in Haverhill. 
In 1892 he was chosen Foreign Secretary of the American 
' Baptist Missionary Union, and devoted himself with unre- 
mitting fidelity to that important work to the time of his 
death. The honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity was con- 
ferred upon him by the University of Chicago in 1878, and at 
the time of his death he was a member of the Board of Fellows 
of Brown University, and of the Board of Trustees of Newton 
Theological Institution, Rochester Theological Seminary and 
Colby Academy. ... Dr. Duncan left New York accompa- 
nied by his wife and daughter on Aug. 27, 1898, for a tour of 
inspection of the Baptist mission stations of the world. He 
was in ill health when he started, but hoped that the ocean 
voyage would give him strength for the rest of the journey, 
and the labor involved in the settlement of the many questions 
pending in the Eastern mission field. But his condition so 
changed for the worse that at Port Said he was compelled to 
turn back. Returning to London and Liverpool, he took a 
steamer for Boston, where he arrived on the mornmg of October 



344 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

29, much prostrated by a cold which he took while at sea. 
He was immediately removed to his home in Brookline, where 
he died on the night of Sunday, Oct. 30, 1898." 

WILLIAM H. ROBERTS. 1st Lieut. Student. Age 21. Single. 
Haverhill. Com. Aug. 28, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Dismissed Nov. 15, 1862. Subsequent service Co. G 11th 
Regt. and Co. I 4th Heavy Artillery. 

DAVID BOYNTON. 1st Lieut. Clerk. Age 36. Married. Haver- 
hill. Com. Nov. 12, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Mus- 
tered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. I 60th Regt. 
Died at Lexington, Mass., May 12, 1903. 

IRA HURD. 2d Lieut. Shoemaker. Age 25. Single. Haver- 
hill. Com. Nov. 12, 1862. Enl. Aug. 21, 1862. Mustered in 
Sept. 19, 1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent 
service Co. I 60th Regt. Resides in Haverhill, Mass. 

JOHN M. POOR. 1st Sergt. Shoemaker. Age 35. Married. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Haverhill, Mass. 

JOSHUA M. STOVER. Sergt. Shoemaker. Age 28. Married. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 20, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. I 60th 
Regt. Resides in Haverhill, Mass. 

WALTER S. GOODELL. Sergt. Shoemaker. Age 25. Married. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Haverhill, Mass., October, 
1905. 

THOMAS PEARSON, Je. Sergt. Farmer. Age 43. Married. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 25, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in North Adams in 1901. 

GEORGE W. MORRILL. Sergt. Shoemaker. Age 21. Single. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 21, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 

WILLIAM W. S. OBERTON. Corpl. Carpenter. Age 34. Mar- 
ried. Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Absent sick when the regiment was mustered out 
Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Lynn, Mass. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 345 

EDWIN L. JOHNSON. Corpl. Shoe stitcher. Age 21. Single. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 23, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Died in Quarantine, La., Feb. 27, 1863. 

CHARLES A. KIMBALL. Corpl. Shoe stitcher. Age 25. Mar- 
ried. Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 21, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Deserted in New York, Dec. 5, 1862. 

ALBERT O. GIBSON. Corpl. Clerk. Age 21. Single. Haver- 
hill. Enl. Aug. 21, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Mus- 
tered out Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 

PHILIP C. SWEET. Corpl. Shoe cutter. Age 19. Single. Haver- 
hill. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Mus- 
tered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Haverhill, Mass. 

DAVID HECKMAN. Corpl. Carpenter. Age 43. Married. 
Bradford. Enl. Aug. 20, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Absent sick when the regiment was mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 
Died in Bradford, Mass. 

HENRY H. JOHNSON. Corpl. Shoe cutter. Age 22. Single. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 23, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Haverhill. 

JAMES RYAN. Corpl. Shoemaker. Age 23. Single. Haverhill. 
Enl. Sept. 1, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Mustered 
out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service 17th Unattached 
Infantry. Resides in Haverhill. 

DANIEL P. DeROCHMONT. Corpl. Carpenter. Age 33. Mar- 
ried. Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 19, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. C 
26th Regt. Died in Newburyport, Mass. 

JOHN DOWNES. Corpl. Baker. Age 26. Married. Haverhill. 
Enl. Aug. 25, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Mustered 
out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Haverhill, Mass. 

RUFUS M. GRAHAM. Musician. Shoe dresser. Age 18. Single. 
Bradford. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Philadelphia. 

JOHN A. TUCK. Musician. Clerk. Age 22. Single. Haverhill. 
Enl. Aug. 23, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Mustered out 
Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service U.S. Navy. Resides in 
Pittsfield, N.H. 



346 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

RYLAND F. BAILEY. Wagoner. Carpenter. Age 29. Married. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 21, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Absent sick when regiment was mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 
Resides in Haverhill, Mass. 

ALDRICH, AMBROSE D. Private. Shoemaker. Age 27. Mar- 
ried. Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 19, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Atkinson, N.H. 

ATWOOD, BRADLEY. Private. Shoe dresser. Age 38. Mar- 
ried. Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 21, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Boston, Mass. 

BARRY, JOSEPH. Private. Shoemaker. Age 20. Single. 
HaverhiU. Enl. Sept. 1, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Deserted at Boxford, Oct. 15, 1862. 

BUCKLIN, JOHN C. Private. Teamster. Age 27. Married. 
Haverhill. Enl. Sept. 19, 1862. Mustered in Oct. 4, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Newton, N.H. 

BURNHAM, WALTER J. Private. Shoemaker. Age 22. Mar- 
ried. Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 21, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Lowell, Mass. 

CANNEY, CHARLES G. Private. Shoemaker. Age 21. Single. 
Haverhill. Enl. Sept. 19, 1862. Mustered in Oct. 4, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 

CARR, MARK. Private. Shoemaker. Age 21. Single. Haver- 
hill. Enl. Aug. 21, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Mus- 
tered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Augusta, Me. 

CHASE, BENJAMIN W. Private. Shoemaker. Age 25. Married. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 19, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Deserted from Camp Banks, N.Y., 
Nov. 27, 1862. Returned to company, March 28, 1863. Died in 
Philadelphia, 1900. 

CLARK, CYRUS H. Private. Shoe cutter. Age 35. Married. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Pomeroy, Iowa. 

DAVIS, CHARLES A. Private. Shoemaker. Age 25. Married. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 19, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Deserted m New York Nov. 27, 1862. Served his time in Co. 
H 30th Regt. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 347 

DAVIS, ELIPHALET. Private. Carpenter. Age 35. Married. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 21, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in HaverhiU, Mass. 

DAVIS, GEORGE M. Private. Farmer. Age 18. Single. Derry, 
N.H. Enl. Sept. 19, 1862. Mustered in Oct. 4, 1862. Absent 
sick when the regiment was mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Sub- 
sequent service Co. E 4th Cavalry. Resides in Somerville, 

Mass. 

DAVIS, GEORGE S. Private. Butcher. Age 18. Single. Haver- 
hill. Enl. Sept. 1, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Died in 
Baton Rouge, La., May 29, 1863. 

EATON, ALBERT C. Private. Shoe cutter. Age 18. Single. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Chattanooga, Term. 

EATON, EUGENE G. Private. Shoe cutter. Age 19. Single. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Alabama. 

EMERSON, ALBERT. Private. Farmer. Age 35. Married. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 23, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Haverhill, Mass. 
Subsequent service 4th Heavy Artillery. 

EMERY, SAMUEL C. Private. Shoemaker. Age 27. Single. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 

FITZPATRICK, JOHN. Private. Shoemaker. Age 21. Single. 
Haverhill. Enl. Sept. 1, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. At Togus, Me. 

FLANDERS, BURTON. Private. Shoe cutter. Age 28. Married. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 21, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Haverhill, Mass., Jime 15, 
1873. 

FLANDERS, EDWARD O. Private. Shoe stitcher. Age 26. 
Married. Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 21, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 
19, 1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Chicago, 
111. 



348 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

FOSS, WILLIAM. Private. Shoe cutter. Age 45. Married. 
Haverhill. Enl. Sept. 19, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Haverhill, Mass. 

FOSS, WILLIAM A. Private. Shoe cutter. Age 24. Married. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 21, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Cincinnati, Ohio. 

FOWLER, GILBERT S. Private. Painter. Age 23. Single. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 20, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Absent sick when regiment was mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 
Died in Haverhill, Mass. 

GALLAGHER, JOHN. Private. Laborer. Age 21. Single. 
Melrose. Enl. Oct. 1, 1862. Mustered in Oct. 12, 1862. 
Deserted at Boxford, Mass., Oct. 20, 1862. 

GEORGE, ARTHUR L. Private. Clerk. Age 21. Married. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 25, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Haverhill, Mass. 

GEORGE, TOWNSEND P. Private. Age 20. HaverhiU. Enl. 
Nov. 1, 1862. Mustered in Nov. 4, 1862. Mustered out Aug. 
24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. C 17th Regt. Resides in 
Haverhill, Mass. 

GILMAN, LUCAS B. Private. Shoemaker. Age 40. Married. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Died Aug. 2, 1863, on the passage home. 

GORDON, EDWARD B. Private. Carpenter. Age 39. Married. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Haverhill, Mass. 

HADDOCK, H. CHARLES. Private. Shoemaker. Age 40. 
Married. Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 19, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 
19, 1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died at Haverhill, 
Mass., Aug. 13, 1904. 

HALL, BENJAMIN F. Private. Age 30. Haverhill. Enl. Nov. 1, 
1862. Mustered in Nov. 4, 1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863, 
Died in Haverhill. 

HANRAHAN, JAMES. Private. Shoemaker. Age 23. Single. 
Haverhill. Enl. Sept. 1, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Deserted at Boxford, Mass., Dec. 5, 1862. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 349 

HANSON, ACEL. Private. Shoemaker. Age 22. Married. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 25, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Haverliill, Mass. 

HARMON, GEORGE K. Private. Shoe cutter. Age 22. Single. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 19, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Maiden, Mass. 

HAYNES, JACKSON. Private. Student. Age 22. Single. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 20, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Haverhill, Mass. 

HILL, ANDREW J. Private. Shoemaker. Age 22. Single. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 21, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Absent sick when regiment was mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 
Resides in Haverhill, Mass. 

HOWARD, WILLIAM S. Private. Shoemaker. Age 25. Mar- 
ried. Haverhill. Enl. Sept. 19, 1862. Mustered in Oct. 4, 

1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Peabody, Mass. 

HOWE, JAMES. Private. Druggist. Age 28. Single. HaverhiU. 
Enl. Aug. 22, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Mustered 
out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Haverhill, Mass. 

HUNKINS, HARRY T. Private. Farmer. Age 18. Single. 
Haverhill. Enl. Sept. 19, 1862. Mustered in Oct. 4, 1862. 
Died in Baton Rouge, La., July 4, 1863. 

HUNKINS, JOHN N. Private. Age 24. Haverhill. Enl. Sept. 
19, 1862. Mustered in Oct. 4, 1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 

1863. Resides in HaverhiU, Mass. 

HUNKINS, WARREN C. Private. Clerk. Age 19. Single. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 19, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. I 60th 
Regt. Resides in Haverhill, Mass. 

HUNT, GEORGE W. Private. Shoemaker. Age 39. Married. 
HaverhiU. Enl. Aug. 20, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Lynn, Mass. 

JACOBS, WYMAN D. Private. Clerk. Age 21. Single. Haver- 
hiU. Enl. Aug. 25, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Died 
in Baton Rouge, La., July 7, 1863. 



350 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

JENKINS, SAMUEL H. Private. Shoe cutter. Age 18. Single. 
Bradford. Enl. Aug. 20, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 

JOHNSON, CHARLES H. Private. Shoe cutter. Age 44. Mar- 
ried. Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 21, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Discharged at Philadelphia, Penn., Jan. 5, 1863, for 
disability. Died at Togus, Me. 

JOHNSON, CHARLES L. Private. Clerk. Age 18. Single. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 

KELLEY, DAVID M. Private. Student. Age 22. Single. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 21, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Promoted to Q.M.S., Nov. 11, 1862. Resides in Sharon, Mass. 

KING, PATRICK. Private. Laborer. Age 25. Married. Haver- 
hill. Enl. Sept. 1, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Mus- 
tered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. D 2d Heavy- 
Artillery. Died in Haverhill, July, 1905. 

LADD, THOMAS E. Private. Butcher. Age 20. Smgle. Haver- 
hill. Enl. Aug. 23, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Mus- 
tered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Laconia, N.H. 

LeBOSQUET, albert. Private. Clerk. Age 19. Single. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. I 60th 
Regt. Resides in Haverhill, Mass. 

LEONARD, JOHN. Private. Shoe cutter. Age 21. Single. 
Boston. Enl. Sept. 1, 1862. Mustered in Oct. 4, 1862. De- 
serted from Boxford, Mass., Oct. 18, 1862. 

LITTLEFIELD, HAZEN S. Private. Shoe cutter. Age 23. 
Single. Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 21, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 
19, 1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Haverhill, 

Mass. 

LUCY, ARTHUR W. Private. Student. Age 18. Single. Brad- 
ford. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Mus- 
tered out Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 351 

McDERMOTT, HUGH. Private. Laborer. Age 42. Married. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Boston. 

McLaughlin, frank. Private. Laborer. Age 19. Single. 
Haverhill. Enl. Sept. 1, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Absent sick when regiment was mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 
Subsequent service Co. C 17th Regt. At present City Marshal 
of Haverhill. 

McQUESTEN, SIMEON. Private. Peddler. Age 27. Haver- 
hill. Enl. Aug. 31, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Mus- 
tered out Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 

McWILLIAMS, SAMUEL. Private. Laborer. Age 23. Single. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 19, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. A 1st 
Battery Heavy Artillery. Dead. 

MORSE, JAMES W. Private. Laborer. Age 20. Single. Haver- 
hill. Enl. Aug. 22, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Dis- 
charged at Philadelphia, Penn., Jan. 5, 1863, for disability. 
Dead. 

MURPHY, TIMOTHY. Private. Shoemaker. Age 30. Married. 
Haverhill. Enl. Oct. 1, 1862. Mustered in Oct. 20, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 

NICHOLS, ADDISON D. Private. Shoemaker. Age 21. Single. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 19, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Boston, Mass. 

NOYES, HIRAM N. Private. Shoemaker. Age 23. Single. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 

ORDWAY, HAZEN E. Private. Shoemaker. Age 32. Single. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 21, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Haverhill. 

OSGOOD, JACOB. Private. Shoemaker. Age 32. Married. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 21, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Absent sick when regiment was mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 



352 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

PATTEN, JOSEPH L. Private. Shoemaker. Age 19. Single. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 23, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Haverhill. 

PEARL, JOSHUA R. Private. Shoemaker. Age 22. Single. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 21, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Boston, Mass. 

PETTINGILL, ALPHEUS I. Private. Shoemaker. Age 23. 
Married. Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 21, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 
19, 1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Merrimac, 
March, 1905. 

REED, ELBRIDGE G. Private. Shoemaker. Age 30. Married. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 25, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Salem, N.H., 1877. 

ROSS, FRANKLIN. Private. Clerk. Age 21. Single. Haver- 
hill. Enl. Aug. 21, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Ab- 
sent sick when regiment was mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 
Died in Richmond, Va. 

SARGENT, BENJAMIN G. Private. Teamster. Age 30. Mar- 
ried. Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 21, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Lewiston, Me. 

SAWYER, B. ADDISON. Private. Druggist. Age 20. Single. 
HaverhiU. Enl. Aug. 21, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Asst. Surgeon 
in U.S. Navy. Resides in Haverhill, Mass. 

SAWYER, HORACE. Private. Shoe cutter. Age 19. Single. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides at Rye Beach, N.H. 

SAWYER, IRA O. Private. Shoe cutter. Age 25. Married. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 21, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Haverhill, Mass. 

SHELDON, OTIS E. Private. Machinist. Age 22. Married. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 21, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides at Melrose Highlands, 

Mass. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 353 

SPENCER, JOHN C. Private. Shoemaker. Age 20. Single. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Died in Quarantine, La., April 9, 1863. 

STICKNEY, CHARLES H. Private. Shoemaker. Age 21. 
Single. Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 21, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Died of wounds at Baton Rouge, La., Jime 20, 1863. 

STUART WALTER. Private. Student. Age 18. Single. Haver- 
hill. Enl. Aug. 23, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Mus- 
tered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Haverhill, Mass. 

THOMPSON, HORACE. Private. Laborer. Age 42. Married. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 25, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Lynn, Mass. 

TOZIER, EDWARD H. Private. Laborer. Age 26. Married. 
Bradford. Enl. Sept. 12, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Haverhill, Mass. 

TUCKER, WILLIAM W. Private. Laborer. Age 18. Single. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 21, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service in 4th Heavy 
Artillery. 

VEAL, GUSTAVUS D. Private. Shoemaker. Age 21. Married. 
Haverhill. Enl. Sept. 19, 1862. Mustered in Oct. 4, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Newton, N.H. 

WALTON, THOMAS. Private. Blacksmith. Age 24. Married. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. H 2d 
Heavy Artillery. Dead. 

WEST, ARTHUR W. Private. Butcher. Age 18. Single. Haver- 
hill. Enl. Aug. 23, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Mus- 
tered out Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 

WILSON, JOHN. Private. Laborer. Age 21. Single. Melrose. 
Enl. Oct. 1, 1862. Mustered in Oct. 12, 1862. Deserted from 
Boxford, Mass., Oct. 20, 1862. 

WHITMAN, GEORGE H. Private. Laborer. Age 27. Married. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 19, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Haverhill, Mass. 



354 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

WHITMAN, JOSIAH A. Private. Fanner. Age 33. Married. 
Mansfield. Enl. Sept. 11, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 23, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. 47th 
Regt. Resides at Raynham. 

OCCUPATIONS 

Shoemakers 34 No business 3 

Shoe cutters 15 Shoe dressers 2 

Laborers 11 Teamsters 2 

Clerks 9 Druggists 2 

Students 6 Baker 

Carpenters 6 Painter 

Farmers 5 Peddler 

Shoe stitchers 3 Machinist 

Butchers 3 Blacksmith 

Married, 47; single, 55; imknown, 4. Average age, 26 years and 
4 months. 



COMPANY G 



GEORGE W.EDWARDS. Capt. Carpenter. Age 41. Married. 
Haverhill. Com. July 19, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Previous service as Sergeant in 
Co. D 5th Regt. Died at Biddeford, Me., in 1905. 

GEORGE W.WALLACE. 1st Lt. Shoemaker. Age 22. Single. 
Haverhill. Com. Sept. 3, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Previous service Co. D 5th 
Regt. Dead. 

ANDREW F. STOWE. 2d Lt. Upholsterer. Age 24. Married. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Promoted from Sergeant and 
com. 2d Lt. Oct. 6, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Re- 
signed June 11, 1863. Previous service Co. D 5th Regt. Died 
at Soldiers' Home, Washington, D.C. 

JOSHUA HATCH, Jr. Sergt. Carpenter. Age 28. Single. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Previous service Co. D 5th Regt. 
Dead, 

ROYAL D. GOULD. Sergt. Teamster. Age 24. Married. Haver- 
hill. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Mus- 
tered out Aug. 24, 1863. Previous service Co. D 5th Regt. 
Subsequent service Co. B 1st Battalion Cavalry. Resides in 
Cambridge, Mass. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 355 

CHARLES K. HEATH. Sergt. Shoemaker. Age 28. Married. 

Bradford. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 

Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Portland, Me. Burial at 
Bradford, Mass. 

SAMUEL B. BENSON. Corpl. Roofer. Age 19. Single. Haver- 
hill. Enl. Aug. 19, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Mus- 
tered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. B 59th Regt, 
Resides in Pasadena, Cal. 

DAVID R. B. COFFIN. Corpl. Teamster. Age 29. Married. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 15, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Absent sick when the regiment was mustered out on Aug. 24, 
1863. Resides in Haverhill, Mass. 

GEORGE O. LEE. Corpl. Clerk. Age 19. Single. HaverhiU. 
Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Mustered 
out Aug. 24, 1863. Soldiers' Home in Illinois. 

CHARLES H.HILL. Sergt. Yeoman. Age 29. Married. Haver- 
hill. Enl. Aug. 15, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Mus- 
tered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Haverhill, Mass. 

JOSEPH F. HOLT. Sergt. Machinist. Age 40. Single. Haver- 
hill. Enl. Aug. 19, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Mus- 
tered out Aug. 24, 1863. Killed in an accident at North 
Andover. 

DANIEL G. PAYSON. Corpl. Shoemaker. Age 23. Married. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Haverhill, Mass. 

JOHN L. WEBSTER. Corpl. Teamster. Age 25. Married. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Haverhill, Mass. 

ALVIN W. WHITTIER. Corpl. Shoe cutter. Age 37. Married. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Biddeford, Me., April 

28, 1872. 

GEORGE W. WALLACE. Corpl. Shoe cutter. Age 21. Married. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Absent sick when the regiment was mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 
Dead. 



356 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

EDWARD S. TUBBS. Corpl. Shoemaker. Age 21. Single. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 18(>2. 
Transferred to the 6th 111. Cavalry, July 17, 1863. 

HENRY G. HAMMOND. Musician. Shoe stitcher. Age 34. 
Single. Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 
19, 1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 

WILLIAM F. JOHNSON. Musician. Shoe stitcher. Age 22. 
Single. Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 26, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 
19, 1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Boston, 
Mass. 

ABBOTT, PARKER P. Private. Shoemaker. Age 26. Married. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 

ALDRICH, JOHN W. Private. Farmer. Age 18. Single. Enl. 
Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Mustered out 
Aug. 24, 1863. 

ANDERSON, ALFRED W. Private. Artist. Age 23. Single. 
Haverhill. Enl. Sept. 19, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Haverhill, Mass. 

BAILEY, STEPHEN W. Private. Mariner. Age 22. Single. 
Haverhill. Enl. Oct. 13, 1862. Mustered in Oct. 13, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Bradford, Mass. 

BARLOW, NOAH E. Private. Yeoman. Age 25. Single. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Left in hospital sick Aug. 14, 1863. Dead. 

BOYNTON, ISAAC A. Private. Upholsterer. Age 38. Married. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service 11th U.S. 
Infantry. Dead. 

BURLEIGH, MOSES C. Private. Yeoman. Age 19. Single. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 

CAMPBELL, JOHN. Private. Shoemaker. Age 33. Married. 
Chelsea. Enl. Aug. 27, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 357 

CARR, GEORGE W. Private. Yeoman. Age 21. Single. Haver- 
hill. Enl. Sept. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Mus- 
tered out Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 

CHASE, EUSTIS. Private. Grocer. Age 38. Married. Haver- 
hill. Enl. Oct. 13, 1862. Mustered in Oct. 13, 1862. Mus- 
tered out Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 

COFFIN, CYRUS V. Private. Teamster. Age 28. Single. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Alton, N.H. 

CLOUGH, WARD. Private. Shoemaker. Age 37. Married. 
Dracut. Enl. Sept. 14, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Absent sick when the regiment was mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 
Resides in Lowell, Mass. 

CLOUGH, WILLIAM R. Private. Yeoman. Age 18. Single. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Alton, N.H. 

COLBY, JOHN E. Private. Shoe cutter. Age 16. Single. Haver- 
hill. Enl. Aug. 19, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Mus- 
tered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Haverhill, Mass., in 1904. 

COOK, JUSTIN T. Private. Bookkeeper. Age 38. Married. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 

COYNE, JOHN. Private. Wool carder. Age 18. Single. Haver- 
hill. Enl. Aug. 30, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Mus- 
tered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Haverhill, Mass. 

DALEY, BARTLETT F. Private. Shoemaker. Age 26. Married. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. F 2d 
Heavy Artillery. Soldiers' Home, Togus, Me. 

DAVIS, ALFRED H. Private. Shoe manufacturer. Age 38. Mar- 
ried. Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 17, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Haverhill, 

Mass. 

EATON, DANIEL W. Private. Shoemaker. Age 21. Single. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Lynn, Mass. 



358 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

EATON, JAMES J. Private. Shoe cutter. Age 43. Married. 
Bradford. Enl. Aug. 26, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Absent sick when the regiment was mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 
Died in Bradford, Mass. 

ELLIS, SEBASTIAN. Private. Yeoman. Age 23. Single. 
HaverhiU. Enl. Sept. 2, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Discharged Dec. 14, 1862. Minority (gave wrong age). 

EMERSON, GEORGE R. Private. Shoemaker. Age 27. Mar- 
ried. HaverhiU. Enl. Aug. 17, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 

FARNHAM, HIRAM H. Private. Shoemaker. Age 28. Married. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service U.S. Veteran 
Reserve Corps. Died in Haverhill, Mass., February, 1907. 

FARRINGTON, MOSES C. Private. Shoemaker. Age 37. 
Widower. Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 
19, 1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Haverhill, 
Mass., in 1905. 

FLANDERS, JESSE. Private. Shoemaker. Age 44. Married. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. F 6th 
N.H. Regt. Dead. 

FRENCH, MOSES E. Private. Shoemaker. Age 27. Married. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 26, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides at Townsend Harbor, 

Mass. 

FULLER, WILLIAM B. Private. Salesman. Age 24. Single. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 15, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Promoted Oct. 16, 1862. R&. 
sides in New York City. 

GALE, HENRY. Private. Shoe cutter. Age 22. Married. Haver- 
hill. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Mus- 
tered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Haverhill, Mass. 

GOODRICH, WALTER. Private. Shoe cutter. Age 19. Single. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19. 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Haverhill, Mass. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 359 

GRAHAM, JAMES W. Private. Shoemaker. Age 27. Married. 
Haverhill. Enl. Sept. 19, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Transferred to the U.S. Army Dec. 27, 1862. Dead. 

GRAHAM, SYLVANUS. Private. Shoe stitcher. Age 24. Mar- 
ried. Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 19, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Haverhill, Mass. 

HARWOOD, ANDREW J. Private. Shoemaker. Age 24. Single. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 26, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Absent sick when the regiment was mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 
Died in Haverhill, Mass. 

HAVENS, SILAS F. Private. Salesman. Age 25. Single. Haver- 
hill. Enl. Aug. 25, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Mus- 
tered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in New York City. 

HAZELTINE, WILLIAM L. Private. Yeoman. Age 30. Mar- 
ried. Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863 . Dead. 

HOWE, EDWIN M. Private. Shoemaker. Age 21. Single. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 26, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Lynn. 

HOYT, BENJAMIN E., Jr. Private. Grocer. Age 21. Single. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Absent sick when regiment mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Sub- 
sequent service 17th Unattached Infantry. Resides in Haver- 
hill, Mass. 

HOYT, EZRA. Private. Shoemaker. Age 29. Married. Haver- 
hill. Enl. Sept. 2, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Mus- 
tered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Haverhill. 

HOYT, SAMUEL P. Private. Shoemaker. Age 32. Married. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. E 59th 
Regt. Died at City Point. 

HUBBARD, OLIVER S. Private. Carpenter. Age 24. Single. 
Haverhill. Enl. Oct. 15, 1862. Mustered in Oct. 15, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Haverhill, Mass. 



360 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

JAQUES, HENRY. Private. Shoe cutter. Age 19. Single. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 26, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Wisconsin, Dec. 6, 1868. 
Buried in Haverhill. 

JENNESS, SUMNER G. Private. Shoemaker. Age 26. Married. 
Haverhill. Enl. Sept. 17, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Deserted at Boxford, Mass., Nov. 18, 1862. 

JOHNSON, FRANK H. Private. Shoemaker. Age 23. Single. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Discharged Dec. 6, 1862, for disability. Subsequent service 
Co. D 1st Cavalry. 

LIVINGSTON, EDWARD H. Private. Clerk. Age 25. Mar- 
ried. Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Haverhill. 

MACE, DANIEL W. Private. Shoemaker. Age 18. Single. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 27, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Absent sick when regiment was mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 
Subsequent service Co. G 59th Regt. Resides in Fremont, 
N.H. 

MACKAY, ANDREW J. Private. Shoemaker. Age 21. Single. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 17, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Died in Baton Rouge, La., April 9, 1863. 

MARSH, JOSEPH W. Private. Shoemaker. Age 18. Single. 
Haverhill. Enl. Sept. 19, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 

McKENNA, EDWARD. Private. Shoemaker. Age 24. Married. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Haverhill. 

MERRILL, HOWARD M. Private. Clerk. Age 18. Single. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 15, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Chicago, 111., Oct. 8, 
1868. 

MORRISSON, AUGUSTUS G. Private. Shoemaker. Age 18. 
Single. Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. 
M 4th Heavy Artillery. Resides in Haverhill. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 361 

MOULTON, GEORGE L. Private. Butcher. Age 24. Married. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 23, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Haverhill. 

MULHERN, HUGH. Private. Shoemaker. Age 18. Single. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 15, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Haverhill, Feb. 25, 1875. 

MURRAY, HUGH. Private. Shoemaker. Age 26. Single. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 17, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. A 4th 
Cavalry. Died in Soldiers' Home, Chelsea, July 6, 1866. 

NASON, EDWARD A. Private. Shoe cutter. Age 22. Single. 
Haverhill. Enl. Oct. 13, 1862. Mustered in Oct. 13, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. I 59th 
Regt. Died June 12, 1875. 

NORWOOD, GEORGE. Private. Shoemaker. Age 41. Married. 
Haverhill. Enl. Sept. 19, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Deserted at Boxford, Oct. 10, 1862. 

O'MEILLEY, MICHAEL. Private. Laborer. Age 24. Single. 
Haverhill. Enl. Sept. 19, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Deserted at New York, Nov. 20, 1862. 

O'SHAUGHNESSEY, JOHN. Private. Laborer. Age 41. Mar- 
ried. Dracut. Enl. Sept. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 

1862. Absent sick when regiment was mustered out Aug. 24, 

1863. Subsequent service Co. K 2d Heavy Artillery. Died in 
Lowell. 

PARKER, ISRAEL. Private. Carpenter. Age 44. Married. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 15, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Died at sea, Feb. 4, 1863. 

PETTINGILL, JAMES W. Private. Yeoman. Age 32. Single. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 

PINKHAM, WARREN F. Private. Shoemaker. Age 21. Single. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. I 60th 
Regt. Resides in Dover, N.H. 



362 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

POOR, MOSES. Private. Yeoman. Age 43. Married. Haver- 
hill. Enl. Sept. 19, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Mus- 
tered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Bradford, Mass. 

PRATT, ABEL H. Private. Shoemaker. Age 22. Single. Haver- 
hill. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Mus- 
tered out Aug. 24, 1863. 

RAND, LEONARD. Private. Shoemaker. Age 43. Married. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 23, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862, 
Promoted to Com. Sergt., Sept. 20, 1862. Died in Haverhill. 

RICHARDSON, RUSSELL O. Private. Shoemaker. Age 21. 
Single. Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 17, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Lynn. 

RICKER, FREDERICK L. Private. Clerk. Age 21. Single. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. I 60th 
Regt. Resides in Haverhill. 

ROBERTS, OLIVER A. Private. Shoe stitcher. Age 24. Single. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Promoted to Sergt.-Major, Sept. 20, 1862. Resides in Boston. 

SARGENT, NUMA. Private. Shoe manufacturer. Age 33. Mar- 
ried. Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 24, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Haverhill, 
Dec. 14, 1879. 

SCATES, ISAAC S. Private. Shoemaker. Age 43. Married. 
Haverhill. Enl. Oct. 17, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service 17th Un- 
attached Infantry. Died in Richmond, Va. ^-.j 

SPENCER, DENNIS. Private. Shoemaker. Age 28. Married. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 

STEVENS, JAMES I. Private. Shoemaker. Age 24. Single. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 

TAPPEN, EDMUND S. Private. Shoemaker. Age 24. Married. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 19, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Haverhill. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 363 

TAYLOR, JOHN H. Private. Carpenter. Age 24. Single. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 21, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Haverhill. 

THOMPSON, HAZEN V. Private. Shoemaker. Age 33. Mar- 
ried. Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Haverhill. 

THOMPSON, STEPHEN M. Private. Shoemaker. Age 25. 

Single. Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 

19, 1862. Discharged for disabihty, Dec. 6, 1862. Died in 

U.S. Navy. 

TUCKER, FRANK W. Private. Clerk. Age 21. Single. Haver- 
hill. Enl. Aug. 15, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Mus- 
tered out Aug. 24, 1863. Promoted to Corpl. Jan. 5, 1863. 
Resides at Little Rock, Ark. 

WALKER, JOHN H. Private. Wheelwright. Age 23. Married. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in York, Me., July, 1905. 

WALKER, WILSON M. Private. Clerk. Age 18. Single. Haver- 
hill. Enl. Aug. 30, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Mus- 
tered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in York, Me., April 3, 1904. 

WALLACE, WILLIAM C. Private. Shoemaker. Age 39. Wid- 
ower. Haverhill. Enl. Sept. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Died at Baton Rouge, La., June 16, 1863. 

WEBB, DANIEL. Private. Shoemaker. Age 18. Single. Haver- 
hill. Enl. Aug. 25, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Mus- 
tered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. I 60th Regt. 
Died in Haverhill. 

WEBSTER, JOHN P. Private. Shoemaker. Age 26. Married. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 30, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Haverhill. 

WEBSTER, WILLIAM W. Private. Shoe dresser. Age 28. Mar- 
ried. Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 15, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Died at Baton Rouge, La., March 8, 1863. 

WHITTIER, WILLIAM T. Private. Hostler. Age 18. Single. 
Haverhill. Enl. Sept. 2, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. H 59th 
Regt. Resides in Haverhill. 



364 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

WILLIAMS, JOSEPH. Private. Yeoman. Age 24. Single. 
Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 20, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Died at Baton Rouge, La., April 15, 1863. 

WOODCOCK, FARNHAM P. Private. Harness maker. Age 28. 
Married. Haverhill. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 
19, 1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Haverhill. 

OCCUPATIONS 

Shoemakers 42 Harness maker 1 

Yeomen 10 Hostler 1 

Shoe cutters 8 Shoe dresser 1 

Clerks 6 Wheelwright 1 

Carpenters 5 Butcher 1 

Shoe stitchers 4 Wool carder 1 

Teamsters 4 Bookkeeper 1 

Shoe manufacturers .... 2 Mariner 1 

Laborers 2 Artist 1 

Grocers 2 Farmer 1 

Upholsterers 2 Machinist 1 

Salesmen 2 Roofer 1 

Married, 47; single, 52; widowers, 2. Average age, 27 years. 



COMPANY H 



CYRUS HOBBS. Capt. Expressman. Age 43. Married. Chelsea. 
Com. Sept. 22, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. Absent 
sick when the regiment was mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died 
at Everett, Mass., March 8, 1896. 

HENRY T. HOLMES. 1st Lieut. Merchant. Age 33. Married. 
Chelsea. Com. Sept. 22, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Chelsea. 

WILLIAM P. DANIELS. 2d Lieut. Painter. Age 35. Married 
Chelsea. Com. Sept. 22, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died at Chelsea, July 10, 1889. 

ROBERT A. SAUNDERS. 1st Sergt. Carpenter. Age 30. Mar- 
ried. Chelsea. Enl. Sept. 10, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Previous service Co. H 
1st Regt. Subsequent service Field and Staff 3d Cavalry. 
Died in Chelsea. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 365 

WILLARD F. CARLTON. Sergt. Machinist. Age 25. Single. 
Chelsea. Enl. Sept. 6, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Woburn, Jan. 14, 1899. 

JOHN W. HURLEY. Sergt. Locksmith. Age 27. Single. Chelsea. 
Enl. Sept. 8, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. Absent sick 
when the regiment was mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 

JAMES H. PROCTOR. Sergt. Ship joiner. Age 31. Married. 
Chelsea. Enl. Sept. 10, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. 
Absent sick when regiment was mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 

JAMES S. GRANT. Sergt. Mason. Age 24. Married. Chelsea. 
Enl. Sept. 8, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. Discharged 
for disability, Feb. 25, 1863. Subsequent service Co. F 26th 
Regt. Resides in Waterville, Me. 

JOSEPH H.GRANT. Sergt. Painter. Age 31. Married. Chelsea. 
Enl. Sept. 8, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. Mustered 
out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Watertown, Mass. 

GEORGE F. LORD. Sergt. Clerk. Age 36. Married. Chelsea. 
Enl. Sept. 10, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. Died in 
Baton Rouge, La., Jime 17, 1863. 

ALMON SANBORN. Corpl. Teamster. Age 23. Married. 
Chelsea. Enl. Sept. 10, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Boston. 

JAMES L. FORSAITH. Corpl. Mason. Age 25. Married. Chel- 
sea. Enl. Sept. 8, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. Mus- 
tered out Aug. 24, 1863. 

EDWIN F. A. BRACKETT. Corpl. Baker. Age 24. Married. 
Chelsea. Enl. Sept. 6, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Providence, R.L 

JOHN A. DUNNING. Corpl. Clerk. Age 26. Married. Chelsea. 
Enl. Sept. 6, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. Mustered out 
Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Revere, May 16, 1894. 

CHARLES H.LUCAS. Corpl. Painter. Age 43. Married. Chel- 
sea. Enl. Sept. 10, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. Absent 
sick when the regiment was mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Re- 
sides in Trenton, N.J. 



366 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

SAMUEL R. HALL. Corpl. Clerk. Age 22. Single. Chelsea. 
Enl. Sept. 8, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862, Mustered out 
Aug. 24, 1863. 

WILLIAM S. HENRY. Corpl. Druggist. Age 24. Married. 
Chelsea. Enl. Sept. 8, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Chelsea. 

WILLIAM E. PEARSON. Corpl. Provision dealer. Age 19. 
Single. Chelsea. Enl. Sept. 10, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 

AVERILL, CHARLES S. Private. Vamisher. Age 43. Smgle. 
Chelsea. Enl. Sept. 6, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 

AYLWARD, JOHN. Private. Wharfinger. Age 35. Married. 
Chelsea. Enl. Sept. 6, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 

BAILEY, JOHN D. Private. Baker. Age 35. Married. Chelsea. 
Enl. Sept. 6, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. Mustered out 
Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 

BICKERS, JOSEPH P. Private. Joiner. Age 25. Married. 
Chelsea. Enl. Sept. 6, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 

BICKFORD, GEORGE F. Private. Tailor. Age 22. Single. 
Chelsea. Enl. Sept. 10, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. 
Died at Baton Rouge, La., April 25, 1863. 

BICKFORD, HENRY P. Private. Joiner. Age 26. Married. 
Chelsea. Enl. Sept. 6, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 

BOHAN, DANIEL. Private. Laborer. Age 19. Single. Chelsea. 
Enl. Oct. 31, 1862. Mustered in Oct. 31, 1862. Deserted at 
New York, N.Y., Nov. 30, 1862. 

BRIGGS, EDWARD P. Private. Joiner. Age 22. Single. Chel- 
sea. Enl. Sept. 6, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. Mus- 
tered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Chelsea. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 367 

BROWN, GEORGE T. Private. Blacksmith. Age 21. Single. 
Chelsea. Enl. Sept. 6, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. 
Discharged May 11, 1863, to re-enlist in the 7th Illinois Cavalry. 

BURKETT, HENRY H. Private. Auctioneer. Age 38. Married. 
Chelsea. Enl. Sept. 6, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. 
Absent sick when the regiment was mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 

BURNHAM, EDWARD W. Private. Oil manufacturer. Age 23. 
Married. Chelsea. Enl. Sept. 6, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 
1862, Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Chelsea. 

BUTLER, CHARLES H. Private. Provision dealer. Age 18. 
Single. Maiden. Enl. Sept. 6, 1862. Mustered in Sept, 29, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 

BUTLER, ORVILLE W. Private. Provision dealer. Age 25. 
Single. Chelsea. Enl. Sept. 6, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 

BUTTERS, SILAS. Private. Tanner. Age 37. Married. Haver- 
hill. Enl. Sept. 2, 1862. Mustered in Oct. 15, 1862. Mustered 
out Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 

CALEF, HORATIO S. Private. Planer. Age 19. Single. Chel- 
sea. Enl. Oct. 15, 1862. Mustered in Oct. 15, 1862. Deserted 
at Boxford, Mass., Oct. 25, 1862. 

CALEF, ISAAC W. Private. Planer. Age 39. Married. Chelsea. 
Enl. Sept. 6, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. Absent sick 
when the regiment was mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 

CARTER, HORACE. Private. Painter. Age 40. Married. Chel- 
sea. Enl. Sept. 29, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. Died 
at Vicksburg, Miss., July 31, 1863. 

CLARK, LEWIS. Private. Teamster. Age 37. Married. Chel- 
sea. Enl. Sept. 6, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. Mus- 
tered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Chelsea. 

COBB, GEORGE H. Private. Mariner. Age 21. Single. Haver- 
hill. Enl. Sept. 2, 1862. Mustered in Oct. 13, 1862. Mus- 
tered out Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 



368 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

COLE, SOLOMON A. Private. Fish dealer. Age 27. Married. 
Chelsea. Enl. Sept. 6, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Chelsea. 

COLLIER, GEORGE G. Private. Carpenter. Age 30. Married. 
Chelsea. Enl. Sept. 10, 1862. Mustered out Sept. 29, 1862. 
Discharged for disabihty March 13, 1863. 

CROSS, HENRY. Private. Oil manufacturer. Age 27. Married. 
Chelsea. Enl. Sept. 6, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Jersey City. 

DEAN, CHARLES. Private. Morocco dresser. Age 45. Married. 
Maiden. Enl. Sept. 6, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 

DEMPSEY, PATRICK. Private. Laborer. Age 18. Single. 
Chelsea. Enl. Sept. 6, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 

DICKSON, JOHN P. Private. Carpenter. Age 18. Single. 
Maiden. Enl. Sept. 8, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. 
Discharged for disability March 17, 1863. 

DICKSON, THOMAS. Private. Carpenter. Age 19. Single. 
Maiden. Enl. Sept. 6, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. 
Died at Philadelphia, Pa., Jan. 2, 1863. 

DIXON, HORATIO. Private. Mason. Age 19. Single. Chelsea. 
Enl. Sept. 6, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. Mustered out 
Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Everett. 

DURGIN, AUGUSTUS. Private. Painter. Age 32. Married. 
Chelsea. Enl. Sept. 6, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. 
Discharged for disability March 9, 1863. 

EDDY, GEORGE B. Private. Clerk. Age 23. Single. Haver- 
hill. Enl. Sept. 2, 1862. Mustered in Oct. 13, 1862. Mus- 
tered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in New York City. 

EDGECOMB, JOSEPH W. Private. Mariner. Age 19. Single. 
Chelsea. Enl. Sept. 8, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. 
Discharged for disability Feb. 4, 1863. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 369 

ELWELL, SAMUEL B. Private. Teamster. Age 42. Married. 
Boston. Enl. Sept. 8, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 

GIFFORD, ALBERT D. Private. Farmer. Age 28. Single. 
Chelsea. Enl. Sept. 8, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862, 
Absent sick when regiment was mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 
Previous service Co. C 5th Regt. 

GILES, JOHN H. Private. Ship carpenter. Age 38. Married. 
Chelsea. Enl. Sept. 8, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Chelsea. 

GILLEN, JOHN. Private. Mariner. Age 22. Single. Lawrence. 
Enl. Sept. 8, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. Deserted at 
Boxford, Mass., Oct. 10, 1862. 

GREEN, HENRY. Private. Shoemaker. Age 25. Married. 
Chelsea. Enl. Sept. 8, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. 
Absent sick when the regiment was mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 
Resides in Chelsea. 

GRIFFEN, JACOB E. Private. Teamster. Age 33. Married. 
Chelsea. Enl. Sept. 8, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 

GROVER, THOMAS. Private. Butcher. Age 33. Married. 
Chelsea. Enl. Sept. 8, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service 4th Un- 
attached Infantry. Died in Chelsea. 

GUELPA, JOHN B. Private. Gas fitter. Age 18. Single. Chel- 
sea. Enl. Sept. 8, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. Mus- 
tered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides at Sea View, Mass. 

HAMMOND, JAMES R. Private. Painter. Age 39. Married. 
Chelsea. Enl. Sept. 8, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 

HATCH, CHARLES H. Private. Wheelwright. Age 23. Single. 
Chelsea. Enl. Sept. 8, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. 
r Died at Mound City, 111., Sept. 2, 1863. 

HAWES, AUGUSTUS W. Private. Mariner. Age 29. Married. 
Chelsea. Enl. Sept. 8, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 



370 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

HAWKES, HARRISON. Private. Needle maker. Age 29. Mar- 
ried. Chelsea. Enl. Sept. 8, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Chelsea. 

HINCKLEY, CHARLES E. Private. Moulder. Age 37. Mar- 
ried. Chelsea. Enl. Sept. 29, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 

HIGHT, HENRY W. Private. Carpenter. Age 26. Single. 
Chelsea. Enl. Sept. 8, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. 
Discharged for disability, March 13, 1863. 

HODGKINS, FRANCIS P. Private. Baker. Age 37. Married. 
Chelsea. Enl. Sept. 8, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. 
Deserted at New York, Dec. 10, 1862. 

HOLBROOK, JOHN W. Private. Carriage trimmer. Age 21. 
Single. Chelsea. Enl. Sept. 8, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides at Natick, Mass. 

HOLDEN, HORACE G. Private. Painter. Age 27. Married. 
Chelsea. Enl. Sept. 10, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. I Ist 
Cavalry. Dead. 

HOLLAND, ADELBERT. Private. Laborer. Age 21. Single. 
Chelsea. Enl. Oct. 13, 1862. Mustered in Oct. 13, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 

HOLMES, JOHN W. Private. Clerk. Age 31. Single. Chelsea. 
Enl. Sept. 8, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. Mustered 
out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. D 1st Battalion 
Heavy Artillery. Dead. 

HOOPER, JAMES L. Private. Carpenter. Age 45. Married. 
Roxbury. Enl. Sept. 8, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. 
Absent sick when the regiment was mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 
Subsequent service Co. K 11th Regt. Dead. 

HUNNEWELL, RICHARD. Private. Carpenter. Age 45. 
Married. Roxbury. Enl. Sept. 8, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 
29, 1862. Died at Mound City, 111., Aug. 19, 1863. 

JENNINGS, PHILIP M. Private. Brass moulder. Age 21. 
Single. Chelsea. Enl. Sept. 8, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 371 

JONES, HENRY. Private. Ship joiner. Age 38. Married. 
Chelsea. Enl. Sept. 8, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service 10th Battery. 
Resides in Dorchester. 

JONES, THOMAS. Private. Mariner. Age 36. Married. Chelsea. 
Enl. Sept. 8, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. Mustered 
out Aug. 24, 1863. 

KENNEFIK, JOHN. Private. Hostler. Age 24. Single. Chelsea. 
Enl. Sept. 10, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. Deserted 
at Boxford, Mass., Nov. 18, 1862. 

McLaughlin, JAMES R. Private. Carpenter. Age 20. Single. 
Haverhill. Enl. Sept. 2, 1862. Mustered in Oct. 13, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 

MURPHY, JOHN. Private. Brickmaker. Age 21. Single. 
Maiden. Enl. Sept. 10, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 

NICHOLS, JOSEPH A. Private. Miller. Age 31. Married. 
Chelsea. Enl. Sept. 10, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. 
Absent sick when the regiment was mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 
Died in Newburyport, Feb. 25, 1889. 

NILAND, PATRICK J. Private. Tobacconist. Age 19. Single. 
Chelsea. Enl. Sept. 10, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 

NYMAN, EDGAR A. Private. Painter. Age 24. Married. 
Chelsea. Enl. Sept. 10, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. 
Discharged for disability, Jan. 13, 1863. 

PATTEN, THADDEUS. Private. Clerk. Age 26. Haverhill. 
Enl. Sept. 2, 1862. Mustered in Oct. 13, 1862. Mustered out 
Aug. 24, 1863. 

PEARSON, REUBEN. Private. Carpenter. Age 39. Married. 
Chelsea. Enl. Sept. 10, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 

PIKE, JOSEPH A. Private. Laborer. Age 18. Single. Somer- 
ville. Enl. Sept. 10, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. Mus- 
tered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. L 1st Cavalry. 
Resides in Cambridge. 



372 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

PROCTOR, FREDERICK. Private. Tailor. Age 25. Single. 
Haverhill. Enl. Sept. 2, 1862. Mustered in Oct. 13, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 

PROCTOR, GEORGE. Private. Farmer. Age 20. Single. 
Chelsea. Enl. Sept. 10, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 

QUIGLEY, EDWARD. Private. Laborer. Age 28. Married. 
Lawrence. Enl. Sept. 10, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. 
Deserted at Boxford, Mass., Oct. 10, 1862. 

QUINN, CHARLES. Private. Moulder. Age 39. Married. 
Chelsea. Enl. Sept. 10, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Chelsea. 

RAYMOND, ALFRED. Private. Hairdresser. Age 34. Married. 
Chelsea. Enl. Sept. 10, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 

REED, LUTHER A. Private. Painter. Age 43. Married. 
Chelsea. Enl. Sept. 10, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. 
Discharged for disability March 20, 1863. 

RIPLEY, ROBERT. Private. Coppersmith. Age 31. Single. 
Chelsea. Enl. Sept. 10, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 

ROBERTS, MYRON C. Private. Teamster. Age 34. Married. 
Chelsea. Enl. Sept. 10, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 

ROOKE, WILLIAM. Private. Machinist. Age 22. Single. 
Maiden. Enl. Sept. 10, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 

SALE, JOHN. Private. Clerk. Age 41. Married. Chelsea. Enl. 
Sept. 10, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. Mustered out 
Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 

SAMPSON, EDEN. Private. Calker. Age 43. Married. Chel- 
sea. Enl. Sept. 10, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. Ab- 
sent sick when the regiment was mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 
Dead. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 373 

SAWTELLE, ZACHARIAH. Private. Joiner. Age 32. Widower. 
Chelsea. Enl. Sept. 10, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 

SHIPMAN, WILLIAM A. Private. Clerk. Age 27. Married. 
Chelsea. Enl. Sept. 10, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 

SMITH, ELIJAH R. Private. Joiner. Age 33. Single. Chelsea. 
Enl. Sept. 10, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. Mustered 
out Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 

SNOW, WILLIAM F. Private. Student. Age 18. Single. Ran- 
dolph. Enl. Sept. 10, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Boston. 

STONE, SAMUEL P. Private. Painter. Age 20. Single. 
Chelsea. Enl. Sept. 10, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in North Abington. 

TUTTLE, JOHN S. Private. Mason. Age 38. Married. Chelsea. 
Enl. Sept. 10, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. Mustered 
out Aug. 24, 1863. Died at Soldiers' Home, Chelsea, April 29, 
1897. 

VOSE, ORRIN B. Private. Driver. Age 22. Single. Chelsea. 
Enl. Sept. 10, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. Mustered 
out Aug. 24, 1863. 

WHEELER, JAMES E. Private. Peddler. Age 43. Married. 
Chelsea. Enl. Sept. 10, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 

WHITMARSH, JONATHAN. Private. Moulder. Age 37. Mar- 
ried. Chelsea. Enl. Sept. 10, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 29, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 

WOODWARD, FREDERICK H. Private. Bolter. Age 34. 
Married. Chelsea. Enl. Sept. 10, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 
29, 1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Haverhill, 
Mass. 

YOUNG, ROBERT M. Private. Laborer. Age 26. Married. 
Chelsea. Enl. Oct. 13, 1862. Mustered in Oct. 13, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 



374 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 



OCCUPATIONS 



Carpenters 10 

Painters 10 

Clerks 8 

Laborers 6 

Joiners 5 

Mariners 5 

Teamsters 5 

Masons 4 

Bakers 3 

Provision dealers 3 

Moulders 3 

Machinists 2 

Ship joiners 2 

Tailors 2 

Oil manufacturers 2 

Farmers 2 

Planers 2 

Expressman 

Merchant 

Student 

Locksmith 

Druggist 

Varnisher 

Married, 60; single, 41 ; widower, 
months. 



Wharfinger . . 
Blacksmith . . , 
Auctioneer . . 
Tanner .... 
Fish dealer . . 
Morocco dresser 
Shoemaker . . 
Butcher ... 
Gas fitter . . 
Wheelwright 
Needle maker . 
Carriage trimmer 
Brass moulder . 
Hostler .... 
Brickmaker . . 
Miller .... 
Tobacconist . . 
Hairdresser . . 
Coppersmith . , 

Calker 

Driver .... 

Peddler 

Bolter .... 



1. Average age, 29 years and 4 



COMPANY I 

NICHOLAS POWER. Capt. Blacksmith. Age 26. Single. 
Worcester. Com. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Previous service Co. C 3d Bat- 
talion Rifles. Resides in Worcester. 

JOHN J. O'GORMAN. 1st Lt. Tailor. Age 23. Married. Worces- 
ter. Com. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 1862. 
Cashiered June 9, 1863. Previous service Co. C 3d Battalion 
Rifles. Subsequent service Co. D 4th Heavy Artillery. Died 
in Lawrence, 1890. 

MARTIN HAYES. 2d Lt. Wire-drawer. Age 26. Single. 
Worcester. Com. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Previous service Co. C 3d Bat- 
talion Rifles. Died in Springfield. Buried in Worcester. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 375 

PATRICK KELLEY. Sergt. Currier. Age 21. Single. Worces- 
ter. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Previous service Co. C 3d Bat- 
talion Rifles. Dead. 

MICHAEL P. KIELLY. Sergt. Moulder. Age 24. Married. 
Worcester. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Worcester, Feb. 4, 1881. 

JOHN KERR. Sergt. Mason. Age 32. Married. W^orcester. 
Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 1862. Mustered 
out, Aug. 24, 1863. Previous service Co. C 3d Battalion 
Rifles. Died in Worcester, 1875. 

JOHN MAGINNIS. Sergt. Blacksmith. Age 32. Single. 
Worcester. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Previous service Co. C 3d Bat- 
talion Rifles. 

JOHN HINES. Sergt. Wire-drawer. Age 24. Single. Worcester. 
Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 1862. Died at sea, 
Aug. 6, 1863. 

PETER J. McCONVILLE. Corpl. Machinist. Age 22. Single. 
Worcester. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Previous service Co. C 3d Bat- 
taUon Rifles. Died in Worcester, 1865. 

NICHOLAS McMAHON. Corpl. Laborer. Age 22. Single. 
Worcester. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Worcester, Mass. 

JAMES O'NEILL. Corpl. Machinist. Age 20. Single. Worces- 
ter. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Worcester, Mass. 

JAMES J. POWER. Corpl. Machinist. Age 19. Single. 
Worcester. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Philadelpliia, 1872. 

PHILIP O'CONNELL. Corpl. Coachman. Age 27. Single. 
Worcester. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Worcester. 



376 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

BERNARD TANNON. Corpl. Shoemaker. Age 29. Married. 
Westboro. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. E 4th 
Heavy Artillery. Resides in Westboro, Mass. 

JOHN RUSSELL. Corpl. Wire-drawer. Age 18. Single. 
Worcester. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Chicago. 

MICHAEL McDonald. Corpl. Wire-drawer. Age 20. Single. 
Worcester. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 1862. 
Died in Worcester, Aug. 19, 1863. PreAdous service Co. C 3d 
Battalion Rifles. 

BOYLE, JAMES. Private. Moulder. Age 22. Single. Worcester. 
Enl. Oct. 6, 1862. Mustered in Oct. 14, 1862. Mustered out 
Aug. 24, 1863. 

BRADLEY, JOHN. Private. Tailor. Age 38. Single. Worcester. 
Enl. Oct. 6, 1862. Mustered in Oct. 14, 1862. Mustered out 
Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Worcester, 1870. 

BRAZIL, JOHN. Private. Laborer. Age 23. Single. Worcester. 
Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 1862. Mustered out 
Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Worcester. 

BURNS, JAMES. Private. Shoemaker. Age 28. Married. West- 
boro. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 1862. Mus- 
tered out Aug. 24, 1863. Previous service Co. C 3d Battalion 
Rifles. Resides in Westboro. 

CAHILL, JAMES. Private. Carpenter. Age 38. Married. 
Worcester. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 
1862. Absent sick when the regiment was mustered out Aug. 
24, 1863. Died in Worcester, November, 1895. 

CAREY, THOMAS. Private. Bootmaker. Age 27. Married. 
Westboro. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Westboro, Mass. 

CARROLL, JOHN. Private. Farmer. Age 26. Single. Mill- 
bury. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 1862. Mus- 
tered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Worcester. 

CASEY, PATRICK. Private. Bootmaker. Age 34. Married. 
Westboro. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Westboro in 1870. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 377 

CLARKE, JAMES. Private. Parasol maker. Age 30. Mariied. 
Worcester. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Worcester. 

CLUNE, HENRY. Private. Wire-drawer. Age 19. Single. 
Worcester. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Chester, Mass. 

CLUNE, JAMES. Private. Laborer. Age 39. Married. Worces- 
ter. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 1862. Ab- 
sent sick when regiment was mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 

CONNOR, JAMES. Private. Age 21. Single. West Boylston. 
Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 1862. Mustered 
out Aug. 24, 1863. Previous service Co. C 3d Battalion of 
Rifles. Resides in Worcester. 

CONNOR, THOMAS. Private. Laborer. Age 27. Married. 
Worcester. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 1862, 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Worcester, 1876. 

COUCH, HENRY. Private. Blacksmith. Age 40. Single. 
Worcester. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 1862. 
Absent sick when the regiment was mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 

CURBOY, JOHN. Private. Laborer. Age 20. Single. Worces- 
ter. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. K 3d 
Heavy Artillery. Resides in Sturbridge, Mass. 

DANAHY, THOMAS. Private. Laborer. Age 27. Married. 
Worcester. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 

DARNEY, WILLIAM H. Private. Ironworker. Age 20. Single. 
Worcester. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Worcester, 1864. 

DEE, JOHN. Private. Bootmaker. Age 24. Single. Westboro. 
Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 1862. Mustered 
out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Westboro. 

DELANEY, JAMES. Private. Bootmaker. Age 22. Married. 
Worcester. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Worcester. 



378 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

DEVLIN, HENRY. Private. Bootmaker. Age 21. Single. 
Milford. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. G 2d 
Heavy Artillery. Resides in Worcester. 

DOLAN, MICHAEL. Private. Farmer. Age 21. Single. West- 
boro. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 1862. Mus- 
tered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. E 4th Heavy 
Artillery. Died in Worcester, 1879. 

DOLAN, PATRICK. Private. Farmer. Age 32. Married. 
Worcester. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 
1862. Absent sick when the regiment was mustered out Aug. 
24, 1863. Died in Worcester, 1879. 

DUNN, JAMES. Private. Coachman. Age 26. Single. Worces- 
ter. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 

FARRELL, WILLIAM. Private. Fireman. Age 24. Single. 
Worcester. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 1862. 
Left at Cleveland, Ohio, sick. Died in Worcester, 1873. 

FAY, WILLIAM J. Private. Machinist. Age 18. Single. 
Worcester. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Worcester. 

FITZGERALD, MARTIN. Private. Wire-drawer. Age 21. 
Single. Worcester. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 
30, 1862. Died at Baton Rouge, La., May 2, 1863. 

FOLEY, MICHAEL. Private. Machinist. Age 18. Single. 
Worcester. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. F 4th 
Heavy Artillery. Resides in Worcester. 

FORREST, DANIEL. Private. Bootmaker. Age 21. Single. 
Spencer. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Spencer, Mass. 

FORREST, WILLIAM. Private. Bootmaker. Age 18. Single. 
Spencer. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. C 4th 
Cavalry. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 379 

FOY, JAMES. Private. Wire-drawer. Age 25. Single. Worces- 
ter. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Worcester. 

GALLAGHER, PATRICK. Private. Bootmaker. Age 18. 
Single. Worcester. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 
30, 1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 

GLANCY, THOMAS. Private. Umbrella maker. Age 35. Wid- 
ower. Lowell. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. 
A 59th Regt. Died in Libby Prison. 

GRADY, DENNIS. Private. Shoemaker. Age 21. Single. 
Worcester. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. E 4th 
Cavalry. 

HANNON, MICHAEL. Private. Farmer. Age 21. Single. 
Westboro. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Westboro, 1868. 

HERR, DANIEL. Private. Shoemaker. Age 20. Single. 
Worcester. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Worcester. 

HIGGINS, MAURICE. Private. Laborer. Age 18. Single. 
Worcester. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Drowned in Mississippi River, 
1864. 

HUGHES, LUKE. Private. Age 19. Single. Boston. Enl. 
Nov. 2, 1862. Mustered in Dec. 9, 1862. Mustered out Aug. 
24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. H 56th Regt. Killed at 
Petersburg, Va., in 59th Regt. 

KEEVAN, THOMAS. Private. Bootmaker. Age 35. Married. 
Westboro. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 

KELLEY, HENRY T. Private. Machinist. Age 17. Single. 
Worcester. Enl. Nov. 2, 1862. Mustered in Dec. 9, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Worcester. 



380 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

KELLEY, JOHN. Private. Machinist. Age 18. Single. 
Worcester. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Providence. 

LEE, WILLIAM. Private. Bootmaker. Age 35. Married. 
Worcester. Enlisted Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 
1862. Absent when regiment was mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 
Subsequent service Co. A 57th Regt. Died in Worcester, 1870. 

MARION, JAMES. Private. Bootmaker. Age 27. Married. 
Millbury. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 

MARTIN, THOMAS. Private. Laborer. Age 40. Married. West- 
boro. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 1862. Mus- 
tered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Marlboro, Mass. 

McBRIDE, JAMES. Private. Laborer. Age 32. Married. 
Worcester. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 
1862. Absent sick when the regiment was mustered out Aug. 
24, 1863. 

McCarthy, Patrick. Private, shoemaker. Age 18. Single. 
Westboro. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 1862. 
Absent sick when the regiment was mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 
Died in Westboro, 1870. 

McCOY, MICHAEL. Private. Bootmaker. Age 22. Married. 
Westboro. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 

McCOY, THOMAS. Private. Laborer. Age 28. Married. 
Worcester. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 
1862. Deserted in New York, Dec. 1, 1862. 

McLaughlin, DANIEL. Private. Marble worker. Age 34. 
Single. Worcester. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 
30, 1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Previous service Co. 
C 3d Battalion of Rifles. 

McMANUS, PATRICK. Private. Laborer. Age 30. Married. 
Worcester. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 1862. 
Absent sick when the regiment was mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 381 

MEAGHER, THOMAS F. Private. Tailor. Age 26. Married. 
Worcester. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Boston, 1870. 

MORAN, PETER. Private. Laborer. Age 22. Married. Worces- 
ter. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Worcester. 

MORIARTY, JOHN. Private. Laborer. Age 22. Married. Mill- 
bury. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 1862. Mus- 
tered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Millbury, 1865. 

MURPHY, JEREMIAH. Private. Carpenter. Age 28. Married. 
Worcester. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 1862. 
Absent sick when the regiment was mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 
Resides in Worcester. 

MURPHY, JOHN. Private. Laborer. Age 22. Married. Worces- 
ter. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 

MURPHY, PATRICK. Private. Bootmaker. Age 25. Married. 
Worcester. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 1862. 
Died in Mound City, 111., Aug. 8, 1863. 

MURPHY, THOMAS. Private. Bootmaker. Age 25. Married. 
Westboro. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service 6th Unat- 
tached Co. and Co. K 4th Cavalry. Resides in Westboro, 

Mass. 

O'CONNOR, PATRICK. Private. Laborer. Age 25. Worcester. 
Enl. Oct. 29, 1862. Mustered in Oct. 29, 1862. Deserted at 
Worcester, Oct. 30, 1862. 

O'ROURKE, CHARLES P. Private. Carpenter. Age 25. Wid- 
ower. Worcester. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 
1862. Died in Baton Rouge, La., June 30, 1863. 

PHELAN, FRANCIS. Private. Bootmaker. Age 18. Single. 
Worcester. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service in Co. D 4th 
Heavy Artillery. 



382 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

PHELAN, MICHAEL. Private. Hostler. Age 40. Married. 
Worcester. Enl. Oct. 6, 1862. Mustered in Oct. 14, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 

PORTER, PETER. Private. Bootmaker. Age 22. Single. 

Spencer. Enl. Sept. 16, 1862. Mustered in Oct. 14, 1862. 

Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. G 4th 
Cavalry. Died in Spencer, 1865. 

POWER, JAMES A. Private. Farmer. Age 18. Single. 
Worcester. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 
1862. Died on steamer Omaha en route home, Aug. 3, 1863. 

QUINN, MARTIN. Private. Bootmaker. Age 18. Single. West- 
boro. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 1862. Mus- 
tered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. E 4th Heavy 
Artillery. 

QUINN, PATRICK. Private. Bootmaker. Age 28. Married. 
Milford. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. H 2d 
Heavy Artillery. Resides in Bangor, Me. 

REIL, JOHN. Private. Wire-drawer. Age 20. Single. Worcester. 
Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 1862. Mustered out 
Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service 29th Unattached Co. 

RICE, JOHN. Private. Mason. Age 35. Married. Worcester. 
Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 1862. Mustered out 
Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Worcester. 

ROACH, MICHAEL. Private. Fireman. Age 21. Married. 
Worcester. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Previous service Co. E 3d Bat- 
talion of Rifles. Subsequent service Co. E 25th Regt. 
Died in Worcester, 1864. 

SCRYMGOUR, THOMAS. Private. Blacksmith. Age 26. Single. 
Worcester. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 1862. 
Absent without leave when the regiment was mustered out 
Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Montreal. 

SHEEHAN, REDMOND. Farmer. Age 19. Single. Worcester. 
Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 1862. Mustered out 
Aug. 24, 1863. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 383 

SKERRITT, NICHOLAS. Private. Machinist. Age 19. Single. 
Worcester. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 1862. 
Died at Baton Rouge, La., June 19, 1863. 

SMITH, GORDON. Private. Shoemaker. Age 33. Married. 
Worcester. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Worcester. 

TONER, MICHAEL. Private. Wire-drawer. Age 18. Single. 
Worcester. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 

TREANOR, OWEN. Private. Laborer. Age 22. Single. 
Worcester. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 
1862. Died in Baton Rouge, La., March 9, 1863. 

WELSH, MICHAEL. Private. Grocer. Age 20. Single. 
Worcester. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Worcester. 

WOLFE, RICHARD. Private. Laborer. Age 22. Married. 
Worcester. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Millbury, Mass. 

WOOD, HENRY C. Private. Laborer. Age 18. Single. 
Worcester. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 30, 
1862. Died at Worcester, Oct. 31, 1862. 

OCCUPATIONS 

Bootmakers 18 Coachmen 2 

Laborers 18 Moulders 2 

Wire-drawers 9 Grocer 1 

Machinists 8 Hostler 1 

Farmers 6 Marble worker 1 

Shoemakers 6 Umbrella maker 1 

Blacksmiths 4 Parasol maker 1 

Carpenters 3 Iron worker 1 

Tailors 3 Currier 1 

Firemen 2 No occupation 2 

Masons 2 

Married, 35; single, 54; widowers, 2. Average age, 24 years and 
7 months. 



384 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

COMPANY K 

JOHN G.BARNES. Capt. Painter. Age 36. Married. George- 
town. Com. Aug. 28, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service 17th Un- 
attached Infantry 100 days and 1 year. Died in George- 
town, Nov. 25, 1868. 

JOHN P. BRADSTREET. 1st Lieut. Shoe dresser. Age 26. 
Single. Georgetown. Com. Aug. 28, 1862. Mustered in 
Sept. 19, 1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Law- 
rence, Dec. 12, 1893. 

JAMES H. RUNDLETT. 2d Lieut. Shoe manufacturer. Age 40. 
Married. Bradford. Com. Aug. 30, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 
19, 1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died at Haverhill, 
Oct. 24, 1896. 

SOLOMON NELSON. 1st Sergt. Farmer. Age 35. Married. 
Georgetown. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died March 17, 1882. 

EDWARD P. WILDER. Sergt. Shoemaker. Age 30. Married. 
Georgetown. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service 17th Un- 
attached Infantry 100 days and 1 year. Died in Georgetown. 

CHARLES S. PEARSON. Sergt. Butcher. Age 28. Single. 
Bradford. Enl. Aug. 19, 1862. Mustered m Sept. 19, 1862. 
Absent sick when the regiment was mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 
Died in Bradford, Oct. 20, 1863. 

JOHN A. BACON. Sergt. Bootmaker. Age 41. Single. South 
Groveland. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in California. 

SAMUEL H. BATCHELDER. Sergt. Engineer. Age 43. Mar- 
ried. Boxford. Enl. Sept. 17, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 

WILLIAM A. ORDWAY. Sergt. Age 23. Single. Bradford. 
Enl. Sept. 11, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Discharged 
Oct. 2, 1862. to accept an appointment in the U.S. Army. 
Died in Bradford, Aug. 17, 1894. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 385 

CHANCY 0. NOYES. Corpl. Carpenter. Age 21. Single. George- 
town. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Georgetown, June, 1906. 

JOHN G. SC AXES. Corpl. Bootmaker. Age 30. Married. George- 
town. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service 17th Un- 
attached Infantry 100 days and 1 year. Died in Haverhill. 

BARTHOLOMEW HALEY. Corpl. Bootmaker. Age 23. 
Single. Georgetown. Enl. Aug. 25, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 
19, 1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Georgetown. 

BENJAMIN P. CARLTON. Corpl. Shoemaker. Age 37. Mar- 
ried, Bradford. Enl. Aug. 27, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Groveland. 

NATHANIEL D. PIERCE. Corpl. Bootmaker. Age 35. Mar- 
ried. Georgetown. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 
19, 1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service 
17th Unattached Infantry 100 days and 1 year. Died in 
Salem. 

WILLIAM E. TAYLOR. Corpl. Bootmaker. Age 35. Married. 
Georgetown. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Georgetown. 

CHARLES W. RUNDLETT. Corpl. Machinist. Age 28. Mar- 
ried. Newbury. Enl. Aug. 28, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Byfield. 

GEORGE LUCY. Corpl. Shoemaker. Age 19. Single. Brad- 
ford. Enl. Aug. 19, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Mus- 
tered out Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 

CHANDLER L. PARKER. Musician. Cordwainer. Age 25. 
Single. Georgetown. Enl. Oct. 11, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 
19, 1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Lynn. 

HAMILTON L.PERKINS. Musician. Farmer. Age 18. Single. 
Georgetown. Enl. Aug. 25, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service 17th Un- 
attached Infantry 100 days and 1 year. Resides in Haverhill. 



386 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

JOHN D DINSMORE. Wagoner. Shoemaker. Age 32. Married. 
Georgetown. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. D 3d 
Cavalry. 

B\ILEY, WILLIAM P. Private. Farmer. Age 20. Married. 
Newbury. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Absent sick when the regiment was mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 
Subsequent service 17th Unattached Infantry 1 year. Re- 
sides in Newbury, Mass. 

BALCH, JEREMIAH. Private. Shoemaker. Age 39. Married. 
Topsfield. Enl. Oct. 11, 1862. Mustered in Oct. 11, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 

BL\CKBURN, THOMAS O. Private. Blacksmith. Age 30. 
Married. Georgetown. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in 
Sept. 19, 1862. Died at Baton Rouge , La., April 1, 1863. 

BOYNTON, GEORGE N. Private. Hostler. Age 18. Single. 
Georgetown. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Died at Baton Rouge, La., July 3, 1863. 

BROWN GAYTON. Private. Shoe cutter. Age 20. Married. 
Georgetown. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service U.S. 
Signal Corps. 

CARTER ELBRIDGE A. Private. Bootmaker. Age 21. Mar- 
ried ' Georgetown. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 
19, 1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service 
Co. G 59th Regt. Resides in Natick. 

CARTER GEORGE W. Private. Bootmaker. Age 23. Single. 
Georgetown. Enl. Sept. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. C 1st 
Battalion Cavalry. Resides in Carlisle, Mass. 

CARLTON, ORLANDO S. Private. Shoemaker. Age 21. Single. 
Bradford. Enl. Aug. 19, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Bradford, Mass. 

CHADWICK, JOHN R. Private. Cordwainer. Age 38. Single. 
Boxford.' Enl. Sept. 4, 1862. Mustered in Oct. 4, 1862. Ab- 
sent sick when regiment was mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 
Died in Bradford. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 387 

CHAFFIL, THOMAS J. Private. Farmer. Age 42. Married. 
Georgetown. Enl. Aug. 17, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Georgetown. 

CHANDLER, ISAAC H. Private. Age 18. Single. Salem. 
Enl. Oct. 30, 1862. Mustered in Oct. 30, 1862. Mustered 
out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. E 59th Regt. 
Killed at Petersburg in the 59th Mass. Regt. 

CLOUGH, GEORGE W. Private. Grocer. Age 21. Single. 
Bradford. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Died in New York, Nov. 22, 1862. 

COLBURN, JAMES S. Private. Stonemason. Age 37. Married, 
Georgetown. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Danvers. 

CROSBY, EDWARD T. Private. Clerk. Age 18. Single. Brad- 
ford. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Died 
at sea en route home Aug. 2, 1863. 

CURRIER, GEORGE W. Private. Shoemaker. Age 21. Single. 
Georgetown. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862, 
Died at Mound City, III. 

DOLE, AMOS G. Private. Farmer. Age 21. Single. George- 
town. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Died 
at Baton Rouge, La., July 16, 1863. 

DRESSER, CHARLES C. Private. Shoemaker. Age 24. Single. 
Georgetown. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Died at Baton Rouge, La., June 9, 1863. 

FLOYD, LYMAN. Private. Bootmaker. Age 25. Married. 
Newbury. Enl. Aug. 15, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Died at Baton Rouge, La., May 29, 1863. 

GOODALE, SAMUEL D. Private. Age 18. Single. Boxford. 
Enl. Aug. 25, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Mustered 
out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service 14th Battery. Resides 
in Georgetown. 

GOODELL, CHARLES A. Private. Age 18. Single. Boxford. 
Enl. Oct. 16, 1862. Mustered in Oct. 16, 1862. Mustered out 
Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Washington, D.C. 



388 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

GOVE, HENRY G. Private. Farmer. Age 18. Single. Box- 
ford. Enl. Aug. 17, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Mus- 
tered out Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 

GURLEY, WILLIAM A. E. Private. Stone mason. Age 44. 
Married. Boxford. Enl. Aug. 17, 1862. Mustered in Oct. 4, 
1862. Died at Baton Rouge, La., May 22, 1863. 

HALE, MATTHEW. Private. Carpenter. Age 34. Married. 
Boxford. Enl. Oct. 8, 1862. Mustered in Oct. 17, 1862. Died 
at Mound City, 111., Aug. 20, 1863. 

HALL, DANIEL W. Private. Cordwainer. Age 24. Single. 
Georgetown. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Absent sick when the regiment was mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 
Subsequent service U.S. Signal Corps. Resides in Georgetown. 

HANSON, JOHN A. Private. Tin worker. Age 28. Single. 
Bradford. Enl. Sept. 10, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. B 59th 
Regt. Died in Haverhill, December, 1904. 

HILLS, BENJAMIN. Private. Musician. Age 23. Married. 
Georgetown. Enl. Oct. 8, 1862. Mustered in October 8, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service 
band of the 17th Regt. Dead. 

HILLS, HENRY C. Private. Blacksmith. Age 26. Married. 
Bradford. Enl. September, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Bradford. 

HODGE, NOAH C. Private. Farmer. Age 36. Married. Brad- 
ford. Enl. Aug. 28, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Died 
in Bradford, Mass., Sept. 3, 1863. 

HOWE, WILLARD P. Private. Farmer. Age 38. Single. Box- 
ford. Enl. Aug. 17, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Mus- 
tered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. H 59th Regt. 
Died in Boxford. 

HOYT, TIMOTHY. Private. Shoe cutter. Age 38. Married. 
Georgetown. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Absent sick when the regiment was mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 
Resides in Georgetown. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 389 

HUNKINS, WILLIAM. Private. Shoemaker. Age 27. Married. 
Topsfield. Enl. Oct. 8, 1862. Mustered in Oct. 11, 1862. Died 
at Baton Rouge, La., June 7, 1863. 

JEWETT, MILTON F. Private. Bootmaker. Age 21. Single. 
Georgetown. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Died at Baton Rouge, La., April 9, 1863. 

JEWETT, SAMUEL S. Private. Bootmaker. Age 35. Married. 
Georgetown. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 

JOHNSTON, HENRY. Private. Musician. Age 33. Married. 
Topsfield. Enl. Oct. 11, 1862. Mustered in Oct. 11, 1862. 
Appointed Principal Musician March 1, 1863. Subsequent ser- 
vice Co. E, 59th Regt. Dead. 

KIMBALL, GRANVILLE R. Private. Farmer. Age 18. Single. 
Bradford. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Died at Moimd City, 111., August, 1863. 

KIMBALL, WARREN M. Private. Machinist. Age 20. Single. 
Bradford. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. G 61st 
Regt. Resides in Lynn. 

LIBBY, IRA. Private. Gardener. Age 29. Married. Bradford. 
Enl. Sept. 15, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1852. Mustered 
out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Greenough, Nev. 

MERRILL, BENJAMIN A. Private. Shoemaker. Age 20. Single. 
Georgetown. Enl. Aug. 17, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. G 59th 
Regt. Died at Spottsylvania, Va., May 14, 1864. 

MERRILL, BYRON J. Private. Shoemaker. Age 33. Married. 
Georgetown. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. M 4th 
Heavy Artillery. Resides in Georgetown. 

MERRILL, COLMAN P. Private. Shoemaker. Age 23. Single. 
Georgetown. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Absent sick when the regiment was mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 
Died in Rowley, June 19, 1878. 



390 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

MERRILL, GEORGE W. Private. Shoemaker. Age 23. Mar- 
ried. Georgetown. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Georgetown. 

MERRILL, LEWIS A. Private. Physician. Age 45. Married. 
Georgetown. Enl. Aug. 29, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Absent sick when the regiment was mustered out Aug. 
24, 1863. Died in Georgetown, Mass., Sept. 7, 1863. 

MERRILL, RICHMOND D. Private. Shoemaker. Age 26. Mar- 
ried. Georgetown. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Died at Baton Rouge, La., June 28, 1862. 

MORSE, EDWIN C. Private. Shoemaker. Age 37. Married. 
Bradford. Enl. Aug. 19, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Dead. 

MORSE, GEORGE F. Private. Box manufacturer. Age 39. 
Married. Bradford. Enl. Aug. 23, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 
19, 1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Bradford, 1904. 

MYERS, JOSEPH. Private. Shoemaker. Age 29. Married. 
Bradford. Enl. Aug. 19, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Discharged March 18, 1863, at New Orleans, for disability. 
Died in Bradford, Sept. 15, 1863. 

NEWHALL, WILLL\M H. Private. Shoemaker. Age 40. Mar- 
ried. Boxford. Enl. Oct. 4, 1862. Mustered in Oct. 4, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service 5th Battery. 
Died in Boxford. 

NILES, GEORGE. Private. Shoemaker. Age 27. Married. 
Georgetown. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died at Georgetown, May 
26, 1870. 

PARKER, CHARLES S. Private. Shoemaker. Age 21. Single. 
Groveland. Enl. Aug. 21, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in South Groveland. 

PARKER, GEORGE W. Private. Shoe cutter. Age 21. Single. 
Georgetown. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Bangor, Me. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 391 

PARKER, RUFUS E. Private. Shoemaker. Age 22. Married. 
Groveland. Enl. Aug. 25, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in South Groveland. 

PARSONS, JOHN. Private. Peddler. Age 42. Married. Newbury. 
Enl. Sept. 10, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Died in 
Baton Rouge, La., May 12, 1863. 

PARSONS, JOHN H. Private. Farmer. Age 18. Married. New- 
bury. Enl. Sept. 10, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Absent sick when the regiment was mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 
Died in Newbury, Oct. 22, 1864. 

PEABODY, CALVIN. Private. Farmer. Age 39. Married. 
Bradford. Enl. Sept. 11, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Absent sick when the regiment was mustered out Aug. 24, 
1863. Dead. 

PEABODY, CHARLES H. Private. Blacksmith. Age 39. Mar- 
ried. Bradford. Enl. Sept. 11, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 

1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Bradford, June, 
1905. 

PEABODY, DANIEL A. Private. Farmer. Age 25. Single. 
Bradford. Enl. Sept. 11, 1862. Mustered in Sept 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Bradford. 

PERKINS, BYRON L. R. Private. Age 25. Single. George- 
town. Enl. Aug. 19, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Mus- 
tered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service in the 17th 
Unattached Infantry, 100 days and 1 year. 

PERKINS, CALVIN G. Private. Shoemaker. Age 29. Married. 
Bradford. Enl. Aug. 19, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Absent sick when the regiment was mustered out Aug. 24, 

1863. Resides in Bradford, Mass. 

PERLEY, ASA K. Private. Shoemaker. Age 25. Single. Box- 
ford. Enl. Sept. 17, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Died 
at Boxford, Mass., Aug. 16, 1863. 

PERLEY, THOMAS P. Private. Shoemaker. Age 23. Single. 
Boxford. Enl. Sept. 17, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Died at sea, en route home, Aug. 4, 1863. 



392 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

PERRY, JOHN. Private. Farmer. Age 38. Married. George- 
town. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Died 
at Lynn, Mass., Aug. 24, 1863. 

PICKETT, FRANK R. Private. Age 20. Single. Georgetown. 
Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Died in 
Georgetown, Mass., Aug. 23, 1863. 

POOR, FREDERICK W. Private. Shoemaker. Age 30. Mar- 
ried. Bradford. Enl. Aug. 19, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Died in hospital at Mound City, 111. 

POOR, HIRAM K. Private. Merchant. Age 25. Married. New- 
bury. Enl. Sept. 10, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service 17th Un- 
attached Infantry 1 year. 

POOR, JOHN S. Private. Gardener. Age 21. Single. Bradford. 
Enl. Sept. 15, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Mustered 
out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Cedar Rapids, Neb. 

RAYMOND, SAMUEL H. Private. Shoemaker. Age 26. Mar- 
ried. Bradford. Enl. Sept. 10, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 

SHERBURNE, WILLIAM H. Private. Shoe cutter. Age 41. 
Married. Georgetown. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in 
Sept. 18, 1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died at George- 
town, Sept. 6, 1863. 

SHERMAN, CHARLES F. Private. Clerk. Age 27. Married. 
Chelsea. Enl. Oct. 22, 1862. Mustered in Oct. 22, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. B 59th 
Regt. 

SIDES, THOMAS A. Private. Shoemaker. Age 28. Married. 
Groveland. Enl. Aug. 21, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Absent sick when the regiment was mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 
Resides in South Groveland. 

SIDES, WILLIAM O. Private. Laborer. Age 45. Married. 
Groveland. Enl. Aug. 25, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Died at Baton Rouge, La., April 5, 1863. 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 393 

SPOFFORD, AMOS. Private. Caterer. Age 40. Married. George- 
town. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Died 
at Baton Rouge, La., June 4, 1863. 

SPOFFORD, CHARLES A. Private. Shoemaker. Age 23. 
Single. Georgetown. Enl. Aug. 25, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 
19, 1862. Died in Georgetown, Mass., Aug. 21, 1863. 

SPOFFORD, GEORGE H. Private. Shoe cutter. Age 28. Mar- 
ried. Georgetown. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service 
17th Unattached Infantry 100 days and 1 year. Resides at 
Campello, Mass. 

TENNEY, CHARLES E. Private. Cordwainer. Age 23. Single. 
Newbury. Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Chicago. 

TENNEY, CHARLES W. Private. Age 18. Single. George- 
town. Enl. Aug. 28, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Absent sick when the regiment was mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 
Resides in Georgetown. 

TENNEY, JOHN G. Private. Age 18. Single. Newbury. 
Enl. Aug. 18, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Mustered out 
Aug. 24, 1863. 

TENNEY, MOSES E. Private. Shoemaker. Age 23. Single. 
Georgetown. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service Co. G 4th 
Cavalry. Died at Williamsburg, Va., Oct. 20, 1864. 

TYLER, CHARLES E. Private. Shoe cutter. Age 23. Single. 
Georgetown. Enl. Oct. 11, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Resides in Georgetown. 

WIGGINS, CYRUS R. Private. Shoemaker. Age 30. Married. 
South Groveland. Enl. Aug. 21, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 
1862. Absent sick when the regiment was mustered out Aug. 
24, 1863. Died in Groveland. 

WATSON, GEORGE E. Private. Shoemaker. Age 26. Married. 
Bradford. Enl. Aug. 29, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. Died in Bradford, 1904. 



394 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 



WILDES, JAMES B. Private. Clerk. Age 22. Single. George- 
town. Enl. Oct. 11, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. Mus- 
tered out Aug. 24, 1863. Subsequent service in the band of 
the 20th Regt. Resides in Boston, Mass. 

WILEY, FRANK A. Private. Shoemaker. Age 24. Married. 
Newbuiy. Enl. Aug. 28, 1862. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1862. 
Absent sick when the regiment was mustered out Aug. 24, 1863. 
Resides in AubiuTi, Me. 



OCCUPATIONS 



Shoemakers 31 

Farmers 13 

Bootmakers 10 

Shoe cutters 6 

Cordwainers 4 

Blacksmiths 3 

Clerks 3 

Machinists 2 

Musicians 2 

Carpenters 2 

Stone masons 2 

Gardeners 2 

Caterer 1 

Laborer 1 



Merchant 

Peddler 

Box manufacturer .... 

Physician 

Tin plate worker 

Grocer 

Hostler 

Engineer 

Butcher 

Shoe manufacturer .... 

Shoe dresser 

Painter 

No occupation 8 



Married, 57; single, 45. Average age, 28 years and 3 months. 



OCCUPATIONS OF THE REGIMENT WHEN ENLISTED 



Shoemakers 187 

Clerks 76 

Farmers 71 

Laborers 59 

Carpenters 45 

Seamen 39 

Shoe cutters 31 

Cordwainers 30 

Bootmakers 28 

Machinists 24 

Painters 21 

Yeomen 18 

Students 16 



Cabinetmakers 13 

Masons 12 

Wire-drawers 9 

Moulders 8 

Stonecutters 8 

Shoe dressers 7 

Shoe stitchers 7 

Curriers 7 

Hostlers 7 

Bakers 7 

Printers 7 

Mariners 7 

Tailors 6 



Teamsters 16 Operators 6 

Butchers 14 Druggists 6 

Blacksmiths 14 Spinners 6 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 



395 



Joiners 6 

Factory hands 5 

Coopers 4 

Grocers 4 

Tanners 4 

Peddlers 4 

Merchants 4 

Tin plate workers 4 

Weavers 4 

Lawyers 3 

Traders 3 

Dentists 3 

Musicians 3 

Provision dealers 3 

Artists 3 

Wheelwrights 3 

Shoe manufacturers 3 

Barbers 2 

Planers 2 

Salesmen 2 

Upholsterers 2 

Ship joiners 2 

Oil manufacturers 2 

Expressmen 2 

Fish dealers 2 

Brass moulders 2 

Firemen 2 

Coachmen 2 

Stone masons 2 

Gardeners 2 

Engineers 2 

Watchmakers 2 

Milkmen 2 

Finishers 2 



Razor-strap makers .... 2 

Dyers 2 

Chemist 1 

Hatter 1 

Last maker 1 

Organ pipe maker 1 

Pump maker 1 

Quarryman 1 

Married, 436; single, 530; widowers, 2. Total, 968 
age in the regiment, 26 years and 4 months. 



Brickmaker 

Nailer 

Fisherman 

Photographer 

Civil engineer 

Policeman 

Hospital nurse 

Railroad man 

Iceman 

Physician 

Bookbinder 

Arcliitect 

Florist 

Box manufacturer .... 

Caterer 

Iron worker 

Umbrella maker 

Parasol maker 

Gas maker 

Marble worker 

Bolter 

Driver 

Calker 

Coppersmith 

Hairdresser 

Tobacconist 

Miller 

Carriage trimmer .... 

Needle maker 

Gas fitter 

Morocco dresser 

Auctioneer 

Wharfinger 

Varnisher 

Locksmith 

Roofer 

Bookkeeper 

Wool carder 

Harness maker 

Gas man 

No occupation 22 



Average 



INDEX 

Assault on Port Hudson on June 14, 1863: 

Account of, by Comrade Howe of Company F . 174 

Account of, by Sergeant Nelson 175-177 

Battle between White and Negro Troops before Port 

Hudson 148 

Camp Life at Baton Rouge 57-65 

Capture of Port Hudson: 

Communication of General Banks to General 

Grant on the Surrender 201 

Correspondent of the New York Times on . . . 211,212 

From the New Orleans Era on 249 

From the Port Hudson Freemen 212, 213 

Rebel Narrative of 246 

Terms of Surrender 203 

Unconditional Surrender 200 

Cards issued to Members of the Regiment in Philadelphia 241 

Colonel Steedman's Report of Operations at Port Hudson 147-149 
Companies A, K and E embarked from New York for 

Baton Rouge on Jersey Blue, Dec. 10, 1862 .... 12 

Companies B, C, D, F and G embark on Niagara from 

New York 15 

Companies B, C, D, F, G and H sail from Philadelphia on 

Jenny Lind for New Orleans 23 

Companies B, D and F transferred to Montebello .... 35 

Company I transported from New York on Steamer New 
Brunswick for Baton Rouge in Advance of other 

Companies 12 

Comrade Eustis's Account of Grierson's Cavalry Raid . . 99 

Comrade Eustis's Account of Voyage of Companies A, K 

and E from New York to Baton Rouge 43 

Corporal Henry's Accoimt of Company H till it reached 

Philadelphia 15-18 

Correspondence between General Banks and General 

Gardner relating to Surrender of Port Hudson . 181, 201, 202 
Correspondence of General Banks relating to Advance on 

Port Hudson, March 14 72-75 

Correspondence relating to Expedition to Winter's Plan- 
tation 90-93 

Correspondence concerning Fall of Vicksburg 201-207 



398 Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 

C.S.A. Lieut. James Freret's Account of Fall of Vicksburg 207 

Death of Dr. French 98 

Departure of Troops for the Teche Country 95 

Diary of Corpl. Henry H. Johnson of Company F, 168, 169, 214, 215 

Diary of Corpl. William H. Nash 35-53 

Diary of Sergeant Nelson, 10-13, 43-53, 62-65, 87-89. 96, 97, 

105-109, 137-141, 156-168, 189-200, 215-221, 223, 224 

Diary of Gen. Halbert E. Paine 144-146, 178 

Extract from Boston Journal of Aug. 12, 1863, relating 

to 50th Regiment, upon its arrival Home 284-287 

Extract from Journal of James Howe 136, 137 

Extracts of Correspondence between Generals Banks, 

Grant and Halleck 123-125 

Extracts from Journal of Comrade Andrews of Company A 103-105 

Extracts from Journal of Otis E. Sheldon of Company F 105-109 

Expedition to Winter's Plantation 85 

Experience of Company E at Port Huron as described by 

Comrade Eustis 135, 136 

Fall of Vicksburg announced 199 

Gen. Nathan A. M. Dudley, Mihtary History of ... . 232-240 
General Dudley's Farewell Address to the Regiment . . 210 
Grierson's Cavalry, Arrival at Port Hudson from Ten- 
nessee of 98 

Headstones at Graves of Comrades in the National Cem- 
etery at Baton Rouge 241 

Heavy Ordnance at Port Hudson, La., March 27, 1863 . 94 

Journal of Company A 272-284 

Letter of a Soldier upon Return Home from Hospital, 

offering Marriage 288 

Letters of Maj.-Gen. N. P. Banks to Maj.-Gen. H. W. 

Halleck 182-185 

Letters of Col. N. A. M. Dudley 91,112-115,126-128 

Life at Camp Stanton, Boxford 4 

Marcus A. Hanna of Company B, Extract from Portland 

Press relating to 246 

Masonic Pin, Story of 248 

Notice concerning Company A in Salem Gazette .... 267 
Organization of Confederate Troops commanded by 

Maj.-Gen. Frank Gardner 244 

Organization of 19th Army Corps imder General Banks . 54 

Organization of the Regiment 1 

Organization of Troops at Port Hudson, May 31, 1863 . 152-156 

Plains' Store, General Dudley's Report of Battle at . . 126-128 

President's Call for Troops 2 



Fiftieth Massachusetts Regiment 399 

Private James Miller of Company B, Private Charles H. 
Warren of Company C, Corpl. Edward S. Tubbs 
of Company G, and others of the regiment volun- 
teer to form Part of Storming Party for Assault on 

Port Hudson 188 

Regiment in New York City 8 

Regiment mustered into Service of tiie United States . . 5 

Regiment mustered out at Wenham, Aug. 24, 1863, by 

Capt. J. K. Lawrence of the 11th U.S. Infantry . . 231 

Regiment started for Home, July 28, 1863, on board 
Steamer OrnaJm, were transferred to Moderator and 
Luther M. Kennett few Miles from Helena, Ark., 
thence by Boat and Rail, arriving at Boston, Aug. 

11, 1863, and dismissed 222-230 

Regiment volunteers to remain beyond their Term of 
Enlistment, and is thanked in Special Orders No. 158 

by General Banks for so doing 187 

Regimental Reunions 251-267 

Reports of Maj.-Gen. N. P. Banks, commanding De- 
partment of the Gulf, of Operations, March 7-27, 

1863 77-83 

Roster of the Field, Staff and Line Officers in 1862 at 

Philadelphia 242 

Roster of the Fiftieth Massachusetts Volunteers, Field, 

Staff and Company 289-395 

Sergeant Nelson's Account of Voyage of Companies A, K 

and E on Jersey Blue from New York to Baton Rouge 43-53 

Soldiers' Guide to Philadelphia 243 

Surrender of Port Hudson demanded 170 

Terrible Sickness in Rebel Garrison at Port Hudson . . 250 



